Published on 17.10.2023
Belgium and Sweden’s Euro 2024 qualifier was abandoned at half-time after two people were shot dead in Brussels before the game.
The Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden was suspended at halftime and subsequently abandoned following the fatal shooting of two Swedes in Brussels earlier on Monday.
Belgium raised its terror alert to the highest level as a man in a video on social media claimed that he was the assailant and that he was from Islamic State.
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 in the second half.
The score was level at 1-1 when news of the suspension came and Sweden’s fans were asked to remain in the stadium.
The two victims were reported to have been wearing Sweden shirts when they were shot, according to Swedish media.
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. The gunman, however, remains on the loose.
After the game, Sweden coach Janne Andersson confirmed they were told about the incident at half-time and decided not to continue with the match. He said: “Everyone was very sad and all the players agreed not to continue with the match.”
Manchester United and Sweden defender Victor Lindelof added: “We discussed the remainder of the match with the team and the Belgians. The conclusion was not to play anymore. The most important thing is that the supporters are safe now.”
