BRUGES – 7 May 2025 — Tensions are mounting between the cities of Bruges and Anderlecht following a controversial decision by Anderlecht’s mayor, Fabrice Cumps (PS), to ban Club Brugge supporters from attending the upcoming match on 18 May.
The move, prompted by violent clashes after the Belgian Cup final last Sunday, has drawn criticism from Bruges Mayor Dirk De fauw (CD&V), who believes the decision is disproportionate.
Mayor Cumps imposed the ban citing concerns over public safety after chaotic scenes broke out following Club Brugge’s cup defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise.
However, De fauw insists the upcoming league fixture against Anderlecht should not be equated with the high-tension cup final, arguing that the context and scale of the events are markedly different.
“There is a significant difference between a cup match with 22,500 supporters and the match on 18 May where only 1,000 to 1,500 fans are allowed,” De fauw stated. “The likelihood of violence is considerably lower.”
De fauw also stressed that stringent travel measures are already in place for the league fixture, including a mandatory “combi arrangement” requiring Club Brugge supporters to travel to the stadium by organized bus transport.
“This means supporters have no opportunity to linger elsewhere, which greatly reduces the chance of incidents,” he explained.
In an effort to ease tensions and seek a compromise, De fauw has reached out directly to Mayor Cumps. “I have sent an email proposing that the Anderlecht police liaise with our police services to discuss how to ensure the safety of the match,” he said.
The Bruges mayor also called for a full investigation into the events surrounding Sunday’s violence. Video footage circulating on social media showed individuals dressed entirely in black, without visible fan gear or Club Brugge colours, participating in the clashes.
This, according to De fauw, raises questions about whether all of those involved were genuine supporters.
“We must thoroughly investigate this before drawing any conclusions,” he urged. “I noticed individuals dressed in black without supporter attire. We don’t know who they are, and they might not even be actual fans.”
De fauw also questioned the role of law enforcement during the Cup final. “The local police were in charge at the time. It’s important to understand how those fans ended up in a completely different municipality,” he added, referencing reports that some disturbances occurred outside the designated event zone.
The upcoming match between Anderlecht and Club Brugge is a crucial fixture in the Belgian Pro League’s final stages. The absence of away supporters would mark a significant blow for the Bruges club and its fans, particularly those who have not been implicated in the recent violence.
As discussions continue, both cities’ police forces and football authorities are expected to weigh in on the matter in the coming days. Meanwhile, Bruges officials remain hopeful that a compromise can be reached that balances public safety with fair supporter access.
Whether Cumps will reconsider his decision remains to be seen.
