“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,” UEFA said in a statement on its website.
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. Further communication will be made in…
— UEFA (@UEFA) October 16, 2023
Swedish reporters at the game said they had been informed of the attack just before the national anthems were played. Sweden’s players told UEFA they did not want to play the second half and the Belgians agreed, Swedish broadcaster TV6 said.
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The score was level at 1-1 when news of the suspension came and Sweden’s fans were asked to remain in the stadium.
“Arrangements to safely escort supporters from the Belgium-Sweden match out of the stadium are being examined,” Crisis Centre Belgium said in a post on social media platform X.
“Supporters will be given more information at the stadium. Please follow the instructions of the emergency services.”
🚨 Belgium-Sweden game has been suspended as players are now refusing to emerge for the second half.
This happens after two Swedish football fans were shot dead in Brussels ahead of tonight’s game.
The perpetrator remains on the loose.
After first half the game was not called… pic.twitter.com/SiSukUWCPW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 16, 2023
The two victims were reported to have been wearing Sweden shirts when they were shot, according to Swedish media.
“I feel completely shocked,” Sweden fan Pernilla Califf told the Aftonbladet newspaper. “We don’t understand anything. Everyone is taking off their Swedish shirts and changing into neutral clothes. This is really unpleasant.”
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Sweden captain Victor Lindelof said at a news conference after the match was abandoned that the players never felt in any danger.
“Our security team handled it well and put us at ease. They explained that this is the safest place to be in Brussels,” Lindelof said.
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“Belgium are already qualified and we don’t have the opportunity to get to the European Championship, so I see no reason to play.”
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