Swedish supporters wait in the stand during the Euro 2024 qualifying football match between Belgium and Sweden at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on October 16, 2023, after an 'attack' that targeted Swedish citizens in a street of Brussels. Belgian federal prosecutor leading on terrorism cases launched an investigation into an attack that left two dead in Brussels on October 16, 2023 evening, a spokesman told AFP. Belgium PM slams Brussels 'attack' targeting Swedish citizens.
In a tense turn of events on Monday evening, a multitude of Belgium and Sweden supporters found themselves locked in King Baudouin Stadium following the tragic Brussels shooting.
A shooting incident has abruptly halted Belgium's Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden. The match, which was evenly poised with both teams tied at 1-1, was suspended at half-time.
Belgium's Euro 2024 Qualifier Match Suspended
In a precautionary measure, Swedish supporters find themselves confined within a stadium in Belgium for their own safety.
In response to the Brussels shooting incident, the Swedish players have informed UEFA of their decision to abstain from participating in the second half of the match.
Notably, the match had a significant turnout of over 35,000 fans. Demonstrating solidarity, the Belgian players have expressed their agreement with this course of action, as per Sky News.
According to UEFA, the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden has been abandoned following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels. This decision was made after consultation with the two teams and the local police authorities, according to The Independent.
In a statement released by the Swedish Football Association (SvFF), it has been reported that the police are strongly advising Swedish fans, responsible authorities, and SvFF's staff to remain inside the stadium premises for their safety. This precautionary measure comes as the authorities intensify their search for a suspect.
The country's football association has successfully persuaded the passionate fans to remain inside the stadium. SvFF President Fredrik Reinfeldt announced that they will make a comeback once the Belgian authorities furnish them with fresh details. In his statement, he emphasized the importance of Swedish fans maintaining a sense of calm and looking out for one another.
In a statement, Reinfeldt expressed his view that the incident was "devastating." Following a one-hour suspension of the game, the remaining fans inside the stadium appeared to be in a state of relative tranquility. However, it was observed that these individuals were unable to connect to the internet.
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Brussels Shooting Leaves 2 People Dead
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has confirmed that the two people dead were Swedish. De Croo extended his condolences to the Swedish PM after the shooting incident in Brussels. The suspect was seen wearing an orange jacket in online footage, repeatedly unloading shots.
The man in the video who claimed to be the shooter said he was a member of the Islamic State (IS) and a "fighter for Allah." The man claimed that the shooting in Brussels was a part of his revenge in the name of Muslims. A Belgium newspaper had reported that the witness of the shooting heard a shout from the shooter saying, "Allahu Akbar" or "God is great" in Arabic before the shots were fired.
Belgium's interior minister, Annelies Verlinden, said they are actively looking for the suspect. Belgium's National Crisis Center imposed a terror alert in the city to the highest level and was moved to the second highest for the rest of Belgium.
The spokesperson for Belgium's federal prosecutor's office has reported that they are investigating a possible terrorist motive for the shooting. Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer reassured the citizens that the government is already making a way to get further details about the incident.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson advised Swedes in Belgium to stay vigilant and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
Related Article: [BREAKING] 2 Swedes Killed in Shooting Incident in Brussels
