Thousands of football supporters have gathered in fanzones across Brussels and Wallonia to watch the Belgian national team, the Red Devils, compete in a high-stakes quarterfinal match against Spain. Local authorities in several cities, including Tournai and Ollignies, have organized large-scale public screenings to accommodate the crowds, despite some reported security concerns from police unions.
Public Screenings Expand Across Brussels and Wallonia
The opening of official fanzones has drawn massive crowds in the capital and throughout the Walloon region. According to reports from DHnet, these designated areas serve as the primary hubs for supporters to congregate, utilizing giant screens to broadcast the match in real-time.
In the city of Charleroi, fans have centered their activity on the Place de la Digue. Sudinfo reports that the area has been prepared specifically for the quarterfinal clash, with local supporters gathering in large numbers to support the Red Devils.
Tournai Reverses Decision on Giant Screen
The city of Tournai initially faced a deadlock over the legality of a public viewing area, but officials eventually reversed their stance. L’Avenir reports that the city finally authorized a fanzone and the installation of a giant screen for the Friday evening match, providing a centralized location for local fans.
This decision did not come without friction. RTBF reports that police unions expressed strong opposition to the maintenance of the Tournai fanzone, citing concerns over public order and safety management. Despite these warnings from law enforcement representatives, the city proceeded with the event to ensure supporters had a sanctioned space to watch the game.
Ollignies Converts Local Tradition into Football Hub
In a unique local adaptation, the town of Ollignies has pivoted its traditional festivities to support the national team. Notélé reports that the "ducasse des Sardines," a local festival, has been transformed into a dedicated fanzone for the Belgium-Spain fixture.
Comparison of Local Fanzone Implementations
The approach to hosting these events varied significantly across the different municipalities based on local infrastructure and administrative willingness:
| Location | Primary Venue/Event | Key Status/Conflict |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels | Central Fanzones | High-capacity official hubs |
| Tournai | City Center | Authorized after initial reversal; police union opposition |
| Ollignies | Ducasse des Sardines | Traditional fair converted to sports hub |
| Charleroi | Place de la Digue | Dedicated supporter gathering point |
Security and Crowd Management
To manage these risks, cities have generally opted for “fanzones”—controlled environments with perimeter security and organized entry points—rather than allowing spontaneous, unregulated gatherings in city squares.
Do you think cities should prioritize police concerns over fan experience in these fanzones? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
