That these riots spread to Brussels is even more absurd

No it’s not. The police in Brussels have long had problems with racism in their ranks (and the behaviour that comes with that), so it makes a lot of sense that this struck a nerve with a lot of people in Brussels

Also, on the riots having no direction or clear goal: fucking duh, they’re riots. But as MLK put it: “A riot is the language of the unheard.” These communities often have to take it on the chin until it reaches a breaking point, and then stuff like this happens. Does that mean it’s entirely excusable? Not necessarily. But it does mean you’re missing the point when spouting platitudes about this not being the most effective method of activism. You’re complaining that boiling water can’t properly canalise itself, because you’re imagining that’s what you would do in all your wisdom.