Violent brawl between football fans shakes central Brussels

Masked hooligans caused thousands of euros worth of damage to a Brussels brasserie after a violent brawl in the Belgian capital on Wednesday.

Videos on social media shows chairs, tables and other objects being hurled at the Falstaff cafe.

People in the surrounding area are seen fleeing, as the sound of smashing glass and shouting rings out in the background.

The confrontation involved supporters of Anderlecht, a Belgium team, and the Young Boys of Bern from Switerzland.

A spokeswoman for the Brussels police said the cafe was ransacked “following a confrontation between supporters of the two clubs”.

The art deco windows of the building, which has been classified as a historical monument since 2000, were severely damaged by the projectiles launched from the group, with many wearing their hoods up.

Mayor of Brussels Philippe Close arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, while the owner of the Brussels Brasserie was left in a state of shock, according to the Belgium daily La Dernier Heure.

Twenty-three Swiss nationals were “administratively arrested” by police in Brussels South, who also found brass knuckles amongst the group.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the disorder and said they will also take action against all the Anderlecht supporters involved.

Analysis of images captured by surveillance cameras is currently in progress.

Wednesday’s incident follows a confrontation in the first leg in Switzerland, during which around 40 Anderlecht supporters were attacked on the terrace of a bar, according to Belgian police.

Anderlecht won that match 1-0.

The teams are set to play the second leg of the Europa Conference League play-off match on Thursday.