Brussels Mayor Urges Unity After World Cup Riots, Defends Moroccan Community

"The people who are the harshest in condemnation are the Moroccan community. If you look on social media, they are the ones who are the harshest about it, because they have been robbed of the joy of a victory. But I repeat, it is an extreme minority. But this minority, we have to put it in its place," said Philippe Close to Euronews.

For some, these skirmishes are proof of the failure of the integration of minorities in Brussels. An accusation rejected by Philippe Close, who recalls that Brussels is "the second most cosmopolitan city in the world" with its 184 nationalities living together. "There are plenty of things that are obviously going very well. But there are, like other cities, problems to be solved, security problems. But I repeat, they are confined to a very small area," he insists.

Morocco faces Canada on Thursday in the third group stage match. The official assures that the police are already mobilized to avoid new disturbances. "If you want to party, no problem. If you come to break furniture, if you come to break in the city, you will have to deal with the Brussels police," warns Philippe Close, calling for the responsibility of the parents of these young people.