The Sweden vs. Belgium Euro 2024 qualifiers was abandoned at halftime on Monday, October 16, after two Swedes were reportedly shot dead in Brussels, per reports.
The incident happened hours before the match and took place within the city, just five kilometers from the game venue, prompting authorities to hold fans and players inside the King Baudouin Stadium for safety reasons.
Everyone was evacuated from the stadium more than an hour after the decision to abandon the match was confirmed.
Police escorts were provided for the Sweden team, while police accompanied Sweden fans into the city.
Terror alert raised
The terror alert in Belgium was raised to the highest level after an unidentified man who claims he was part of the Islamic State group put up a video on social media claiming he was the assailant, ESPN reported.
"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 an official statement via ABC News.
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The game was tied at halftime, and Swedish players informed UEFA that they did not want to play the second half, and the Belgians also agreed.
Sweden manager Janne Andersson said they heard of the shooting at halftime.
"When I came down for the break, I got this information. Immediately, I felt that it was completely unreal. What kind of world do we live in today?" Andersson told reporters.
Act of terrorism
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said the attack was an act of terrorism.
Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden said they are tracking down the perpetrator and that the government was already convening at the National Crisis Center.
"A horrible shooting in Brussels, and the perpetrator is actively being tracked down," she stated.
Further details on the unfortunate incident have yet to emerge. It was confirmed by Martin Fredman, the security chief of the Swedish Football Association, that the two casualties were Swedes.
"It's awful the news that has reached us. We have all been affected and we are trying to deal with it, both team and supporters," Fredman stated.
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