Kompany: Neglect has led to Belgians being radicalised

The Manchester City captain spoke of the Belgian lawmakers' role in creating an atmosphere which alienates people in some parts of the country's captital

Vincent Kompany has called the actions of Belgian politicians into question, insisting that the increased alienation and radicalisation of some of citizens is partly down to the lack of attention given to areas like the Brussels district of Molenbeek.

Molenbeek has been the subject of police investigations following the attacks in Paris that left 130 people dead, with a number of the perpetrators thought to be linked to the area of the Belgian capital.

Kompany, who was raised in the Uccle district of Brussels, south-east of Molenbeek, says the area has been neglected by the nation's decision makers, making the radicalisation of individuals increasingly predictable.

"There's a sense of me that really believes that it was predictable, really predictable," the Manchester City captain told CNN.

"I think it was inevitable, because I only used to see politicians in our neighborhoods once every six years when they needed to come for votes.

"Then and now something would pop up out of the ground and somebody cut a red ribbon to say that we've done this for the community. But I have really struggled to see a real concern, a genuine desire to be a part of making those neighbourhoods.
"The problem with Molenbeek is not necessarily about nationality, it's more about the segregation. It's not just Molenbeek."

Kompany indicated his belief that a feeling of injustice in certain Brussels neigbourhoods is leading to people falling off the grid of normal Belgian life and being attracted to dangerous groups.

The Manchester City captain also remained sceptical of the rhetoric used by politicians in the aftermath of the Paris attacks, with French President Francois Hollande saying France is now at war with radical groups.

"The reason it hurt me so much is because they're not people of a religious faction, they're people that have been able to fall off the grid and people have been able to indoctrinate them," he added.

"I remember that the one thing that kept coming back is that there was some feeling of injustice.

"All we hear is declaration of wars - and wars against who?" Kompany asked. "Ultimately you're only fighting your own people."

While placing some of the blame in the hands of politicians, Kompany also feels responsibility lies with the people of Brussels, suggesting that more action should be taken to ensure that citizens are not easily swayed by terrorists.


With this, the 29-year-old praised the place in which he grew up, hailing it is an area of diversity and culture and calling for Brussels to now foster a positive attitude.

"Ultimately, people living in Brussels will have to be responsible as well for making sure the stuff like this can never happen again.

"I remember always going to the train station where I grew up and on the wall was written: 'The real wealth of a nation is diversity of cultures'.

"Where I grew up that's what I saw and that's what I believe in as well and I still believe it.

"Brussels will always be this city of diversity, of wealth of culture, and I encourage everyone to speak and say how much they love the city, and to just now start the positive talking."