Brussels police make plans to anticipate football violence

Police in central Brussels have appointed a specialist in football-related violence whose job will be to anticipate matches where there is a risk of conflict between the city's foreign communities.

The announcement comes after violent clashes broke out around the Bourse on 11 November when Morocco beat Ivory Coast to secure a place in next summer's football World Cup. Cars were torched, shop windows smashed and businesses looted.

Police said last week that they had been "surprised by the intensity and speed" with which the violence spread, describing the unrest as "exceptional".

Het Laatste Nieuws reports that the newly appointed agent will work for the Brussels Capital-Ixelles police force and will analyse the international football calendar to determine which matches could lead to tension.

A police spokeswoman confirmed: "An agent has been appointed for this task. They will manage a team and there will be constant internal monitoring of their progress."

Six adults and three minors have so far been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the 11 November football riot. A further 10 individuals have been identified and photos of 21 other suspects are being analysed.