Brussels’ Union Saint-Gilloise celebrate first men’s football league trophy in 90 years

Saint-Gilles in Brussels was a sea of yellow and blue as city football club Union Saint-Gilloise celebrated their victory from the balcony of the town hall on Sunday evening.

Following their nervy 3-1 win against Gent, the club finished three points above defending champions Club Brugge to finally lift the trophy of the men’s football league.

In addition to the crowds at the club’s Marien Stadium, fans filled the streets and Van Meenen Square, where 4,000 people watched the match from the ‘Zwanze zone’.

Later at the town hall, the victorious team was greeted by cheering crowds amid confetti, balloons and smoke flares.

“Ever since I was little, I've been hoping to see Union become champions, I'm so happy,” one emotional fan told RTBF. His daughter added: “I'm so happy, after 90 years, it's truly an honour.”

For Charles Picqué, the 76-year-old former president of the USG and ex-mayor of Saint-Gilles, it was also a moment of reflection. “I know many people who wondered if they would ever win a title again and who have since died. I'm thinking of them.”

Photo: ©Belga/Nicolas Maeterlinck