“We’ve Never Seen Anything Like This” – Belgium’s International Players Subjected to Thorough Physical Checks in the US

Belgium’s international footballers were subjected to a thorough physical check by US authorities upon their arrival in the United States, sparking strong criticism from Belgian media. The team had arrived in Atlanta for a friendly match against the US and is preparing for a match against Mexico in Chicago. Authorities in Atlanta had the players and other members of the delegation disembark from the bus and subjected them to checks before they even reached the airport entrance. Images of the check have caused strong reactions in Belgian media, which criticize the strictness of US authorities towards the footballers of a national team. Belgian media describe the check as unprecedented and express their surprise at the need for such a procedure. The criticism focuses on the lack of respect for the athletes and the excessive strictness of US authorities.