Cape Verde fans flooded Brockton streets Monday after the national team’s historic World Cup draw against Spain, but Brockton police say some gatherings turned disorderly—blocking roadways, hurling bottles at officers, and prompting at least nine arrests. Cape
For a night, Brockton’s streets looked like the afterglow of a miracle—until the celebration collided with public safety.
Cape Verde fans spilled out across the city Monday to mark their team’s stunning World Cup draw against Spain. police said. The crowd energy was immediate, and so were the problems that followed. Brockton police say some gatherings blocked roadways, creating traffic and public safety concerns in several areas of the city.
Brockton police spokesperson Darren Duarte said police arrested at least nine people Monday evening, primarily for disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace. Duarte also said that in some cases, fans became disorderly—throwing bottles at police officers and setting off fireworks.
Police worked throughout the evening, Duarte said, to keep roads open, maintain access for emergency vehicles, and preserve public safety. Massachusetts State Police also arrested several people while assisting with crowd management and traffic enforcement.
Brockton is home to the largest Cape Verdean community of any U.S. city, and Massachusetts has the biggest Cape Verdean community of any state, according to the 2020 United States Census. For residents, the World Cup moment carried more than sports momentum. After holding off Spain—the reigning European champions—in Cape Verde’s World Cup debut. the “Blue Sharks” earned a next-step match that fans are already counting down to.
Cape Verde will next play Uruguay on Sunday in Miami.
In Brockton, the emotion still lingered even as police reported arrests. Neila Teixeira, celebrating in the city Monday, said: “We Cape Verdeans, we are all on the same vibrations. We are about to win. We all want to win. We’ve already won.”
Duarte said the department appreciates residents who celebrated safely and cooperated with officers. He also thanked the State Police and law enforcement partners from neighboring communities who responded to assist throughout the night.
Brockton Cape Verde World Cup Spain Uruguay Miami arrests disorderly conduct disturbing the peace public safety
Bottles at officers?? Like why couldn’t they just celebrate and go home.
I saw people saying on TikTok it was all peaceful til the police showed up. Also fireworks on a Monday is just crazy. Like can they not manage the traffic without yanking folks around?
Replying to Brian Johnson — tbh I think it was more like a “false bottle” situation. If you’re in a crowd you don’t even know what hit you. Nine arrests sounds like they always have quotas or something, not saying it’s right, just feels off.
This is why I don’t watch world cup hype in the streets. One minute it’s “historic draw” and next minute it’s road blocked and fireworks, like how did that even happen that fast? Hope Uruguay game stays in Miami and not Brockton again, cuz that city gonna lose it if they win. Also why is it always bottle throwing when it’s supposed to be sports?