Belgium and Sweden’s Euro 2024 qualifier was stopped at half-time due to a shooting incident in Brussels. The authorities in Belgium have raised the terror alert in the capital to the highest level. The Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, described the incident as a “brutal terrorist attack.”
A man suspected of killing two Swedish individuals before a Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden in Brussels has died.
After being shot and arrested by the police in a café in Brussels this morning.
The game was stopped at halftime by UEFA after an incident referred to as a “brutal terrorist attack” by Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.
Two Swedish people were killed and another person was injured in the attack.
The terror alert in the capital of Belgium is at its highest level.
“Last night three people left for what was supposed to be a wonderful soccer party,” De Croo said.
“The perpetrator targeted specifically Swedish supporters who were in Brussels to attend a Red Devils soccer match. Two Swedish compatriots passed away. A third person is recovering from severe injuries,” De Croo said.
The shooting happened 45 minutes before the game started, about 5 kilometers away from the stadium.
The game was paused with the score tied at 1-1 at half-time. Fans were instructed to stay in the King Baudouin Stadium until it was deemed safe for them to leave.
Fans chanted “All together, All together,” with thousands from both sides also shouting “Sweden, Sweden!” as they waited inside Belgium’s national stadium. The 35,000 supporters were eventually allowed to leave in groups just after midnight local time.
Sweden’s coach, Janne Andersson, revealed that they were informed about the incident during halftime and made the collective decision to discontinue the game. All of the players agreed with this choice and felt sorrowful about the situation.
Manchester United and Sweden defender Victor Lindelof said on Instagram: “I’m shocked and devastated by the terrible incidents in Brussels with the cold-hearted attacks on our fellow Swedes.
“I’m lost for words for the cruelty and inhumanity, I want to send my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those affected.
“At the same time, my thoughts go out to all the supporters in Belgium last night, no one should ever go to a game of football and feel unsafe when supporting their team.”
A post from the Swedish FA on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, read: “Keep calm and take care of each other. Our thoughts go out to all the relatives of those affected in Brussels.”
The Belgian national FA also wrote: “Our thoughts are with all those affected.”
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