Beerschot supporters attacked a bus carrying KV Mechelen fans at a carpool park along the E313 in Geel-West on Saturday evening. The incident occurred around 7:15 PM when the bus, carrying about eighty supporters, stopped to refuel on its way to the away match at Lommel United.
The attackers were themselves returning from a match in Hasselt. When the KV Mechelen fans exited the bus, they were stormed. "During the incident, beer bottles were thrown at the bus, among other things," said Dirk Van de Sande of the Rivierenland police zone. "This caused damage to the outer layers of a side window and the rear window."
Fleeing back onto the bus
The KV Mechelen supporters immediately fled back onto the bus. According to an attendee, they were shouted at to reboard within fifteen seconds. The bus then departed towards Lommel with the damaged rear window. No injuries were reported. Police have launched an investigation in collaboration with Antwerp police, largely based on witness statements.
An eyewitness described the attacked bus as a family bus with women and children on board. The bus was heading to the match which KV Mechelen drew 0-0 with Lommel United on Sunday. That result did not bring a win for Besnik Hasi's team, but it did earn a point in their fight against relegation.
KV Mechelen currently sit 18th and last in the Jupiler Pro League, with just three points from seven games. The team has scored five goals and conceded fourteen. The next chance for points is on October 10th, when St. Truiden visit. The full schedule can be found on our fixtures page.
The investigation into the attack is ongoing. Police hope to identify the perpetrators through camera footage and witnesses. For the KV Mechelen supporters, it was a shocking incident on the way to a match that ultimately ended in a draw. The club's squad, currently struggling with a difficult start to the season, can be viewed in the squad overview.
