A Belgian Manchester City fan was "in danger of death" on Wednesday after being violently attacked by supporters of Club Brugge on Tuesday evening after the Belgians' defeat in the Champions League, the Ghent (north) public prosecutor's office said.
Five people were arrested as part of the investigation, the prosecution said in a statement.
The attack took place around 10:40 p.m. on a motorway rest area, in Tronchiennes, near Ghent, when the victim wanted to recover a scarf in the colors of Manchester City which had just been stolen from him by one of the suspects, according to the first elements. of the investigation.
A brawl ensued outside the store at the freeway rest area.
"Left for dead"
“The emergency services were called to the scene.
The victim, a 63-year-old man from Ninove, was taken to hospital.
He is in danger of death, ”the statement added.
The victim's son, who runs a Belgian fan club in City, formed by Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne, had earlier reported that his father had been "left for dead" after the assault.
The fan club, Blue Moon Belgium, "was the victim of senseless violence", denounced a message on Facebook speaking of an unprecedented attack against one of its members.
On its website, FC Bruges, heavily beaten by the English on its home ground (1-5), said "strongly disapprove of any act of violence, both in its stadium and outside".
"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the Manchester City fan," wrote the Belgian champion club.
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Belgium
Aggression
Manchester city
Soccer
Champions League
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