UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying Match Abandoned After Two People Killed in Brussels
On Monday night, the 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.’
Terror Alert Raised in Brussels Following Shooting
The shooting in Brussels on Monday night has led to a heightened terror alert in the city. Two people were killed in the attack, both of whom were Swedish citizens wearing football shirts at the time of their death.
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 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden was abandoned at half-time due to security reasons. 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 Belgian government has increased security measures across the country following the attack, including increased police presence and heightened vigilance at public events. The government also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
Football Fans Show Solidarity Following Attack
In an act of solidarity with those affected by Monday night’s attack in Brussels, football fans around Europe have been showing their support for those affected by displaying banners and messages of support during matches.
The Belgian Football Association (KBVB) posted a message of solidarity on their website: ‘The KBVB expresses its deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy and stands in solidarity with them. We will continue to monitor developments closely and will take all necessary measures to ensure that football can be played safely and securely in Belgium.’
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin also released a statement expressing his condolences for those affected by the attack: ‘On behalf of UEFA I would like to express our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy. We stand together with our Belgian friends in this difficult time and our thoughts