UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying Match Abandoned After Two People Killed in Brussels
Monday night’s UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden in Brussels was abandoned at half-time after two people were shot dead in the city. The victims were confirmed as Swedish citizens, reportedly wearing football shirts when they were shot near Saincteletteplein, to the north of the city centre.
Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo posted on social media: ‘I have just offered my sincere condolences to @SwedishPM following tonight’s harrowing attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels. Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost their loved ones. As close partners the fight against terrorism is a joint one.’
The game, being played at the Stade Roi Baudouin was 1-1 at half-time, but an announcement was made in the stadium confirming that the players decided they did not want to continue the match. Supporters have been held in the stadium, though, as part of the security operation, with the gunman still at large and the terror alert in Brussels has been raised to the highest level.
UEFA posted on the live blog of the game: ‘The match has been suspended at half-time due to security reasons.’ A further statement from UEFA read: ‘Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided, after consultation with the two teams and the local police authorities, that the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned.’
The tragic event has sent shockwaves throughout Europe and beyond, with many expressing their condolences to the families of those affected. The incident highlights the importance of security measures at sporting events and the need for vigilance in order to ensure the safety of all involved.
The implications of this incident are far-reaching and will no doubt be felt for some time. It is a stark reminder of the dangers of terrorism and its ability to disrupt everyday life. It is also a reminder of how fragile our sense of safety can be and how quickly it can be shattered.
The incident has also highlighted the importance of solidarity between nations in times of crisis. The Belgian prime minister’s statement is a testament to this, as he expressed his condolences to Sweden and emphasised that ‘the fight against terrorism is a joint one’.
The incident has also sparked debate about the security measures in place at sporting events. Many have questioned why such an event was allowed to take place without adequate security measures in place. This is an issue that will no doubt be discussed in the coming days and weeks as authorities look to ensure that such an incident does not happen again.
In conclusion, Monday night’s UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden was abandoned at half-time after two people were shot dead in Brussels. The incident has sent shockwaves throughout Europe and beyond, highlighting the importance of security measures at sporting events and the need for solidarity between nations in times of crisis. It is a stark reminder of the dangers of terrorism and its ability to disrupt everyday life.
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