The police have recently started keeping a close eye on the home of entrepreneur and RSC Anderlecht owner Marc Coucke in Merelbeke. The increased security comes after repeated protests by dissatisfied Anderlecht supporters. A banner with the message “Be noble and fuck off” was recently hung on his home. Chief of Police Yves Asselman confirms this.
Although there is no direct threat, the police patrol Coucke’s villa several times a day to keep an eye on things. According to the spokesperson for the local police Rhode and Schelde, the surveillance is a preventive measure and is not a request from Coucke himself. After all, it already has its own security system. The action is part of a broader routine in which the police want to guarantee visibility and safety in the region.
The protests against Coucke have been going on since early June. Actions took place again on Wednesday night at several locations, including the Lotto Park, the training complex in Neerpede and Pairi Daiza, the animal park of which Coucke is co-owner. Supporters group BCS claimed responsibility for the protests and criticized the entrepreneur, partly because of the lack of sporting successes since he became the owner of Anderlecht in 2017.
The police emphasize that the situation is being closely monitored and that the patrols will be periodically evaluated. Depending on the circumstances, it can be decided whether security will continue.
