Hundreds held over Brussels clashes

 

Belgium state television reported that 14 policemen were also injured after hundreds of youths turned on a police contingent as it sought to prevent a street fight between fans and local youths.

Police came under a barrage of stones and bottles, while officers used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds.

Gerald Noon, the head of the Anderlecht police force, said: “There were clashes between the club fans and a group of North Africans after the match. We knew that they were looking for confrontation.”

“We managed to stop them but then they turned towards us.”

Many houses, shops and cars were destroyed in the violence.