On May 4, 2025, tensions erupted in Brussels as supporters of Club Brugge and RSC Anderlecht clashed ahead of the highly anticipated Belgian Cup final at the Stade Roi Baudouin. The day began with excitement but quickly turned chaotic as violent confrontations unfolded.
Reports indicate that the first skirmishes occurred around 13:15 near the Gare Centrale, where Brugge fans, arriving in large numbers, sought confrontation with Anderlecht supporters. "Our teams intervened on Rue Duquesnoy to prevent a confrontation between groups of supporters. The bands were separated," confirmed a spokesperson for the Brussels-Capital/Ixelles police.
As the situation escalated, fireworks were reportedly launched towards law enforcement, intensifying the already volatile atmosphere. Videos shared on social media captured the chaotic scenes, showing supporters clashing and police intervening to restore order.
By the afternoon, the unrest spread to Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, particularly at the Ribaucourt station, where several injuries were reported. A police helicopter was deployed to monitor the situation as the clashes continued. According to police reports, two individuals sustained injuries and required hospitalization.
In a troubling incident, a group of Brugge supporters, on foot towards the Heysel stadium, clashed with local youths in the Maritime district. This confrontation led to further violence, with reports of hooded hooligans attacking a local business, resulting in significant damage and injuries.
As the clock ticked towards the final, the police worked to keep the rival supporters apart. They utilized various measures, including water cannons, to control the situation. The atmosphere remained charged as both sets of fans prepared for the match.
Despite the chaos outside, the match proceeded as planned, with Club Brugge ultimately claiming victory over Anderlecht with a score of 2-1, marking their twelfth Belgian Cup title. Roméo Vermant was the star of the show, scoring both goals for Brugge, while Anderlecht managed to net a late consolation goal through Vazquez.
The match itself began with Brugge dominating possession early on. They had six shots on goal by the 37th minute, while Anderlecht struggled to register even a single attempt. Vermant opened the scoring just before halftime, converting a well-placed cross from Siquet.
In the second half, Brugge continued to apply pressure, and Vermant doubled their lead shortly after the restart. Despite Anderlecht's attempts to fight back, including a couple of promising chances from Dendoncker and Hey, they could not break through Brugge's solid defense.
With just five minutes remaining, Anderlecht finally found the net, but it was too little, too late. The final whistle blew, sealing Brugge's victory and leaving Anderlecht to ponder their fourth defeat to Brugge this season.
Reflecting on the match, Anderlecht will now focus on securing a spot in European competition, as they have not lifted a major trophy since 2017. Meanwhile, Brugge remains in contention for another title, currently sitting second in the Champions Playoffs, just one point behind Union Saint-Gilloise.
As the dust settles on the day, the aftermath of the clashes raises serious questions about fan safety and the need for better management of such events. With 80 individuals treated for injuries and several arrests made, the police are calling for respect and adherence to regulations among supporters.
In the end, while Brugge celebrated their triumph on the pitch, the violence and chaos surrounding the event serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that come with passionate football rivalries.
