In a shocking turn of events, the Euro 2024 qualifier match between Belgium and Sweden came to a standstill and was subsequently abandoned at halftime following a devastating shooting incident in Brussels. UEFA, the governing body for European football, officially announced the abandonment of the game in response to the fatal shooting of two Swedish individuals earlier on the same day.
The horrific incident prompted Belgium to raise its terror alert to the highest level, as a video circulated on social media in which an individual claimed to be the assailant and professed affiliation with the Islamic State.
In an official statement posted on its website, UEFA stated, “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.”
The Swedish players, upon learning of the attack just before the national anthems were to be played, expressed their reluctance to continue with the match. The Belgian team agreed to the suspension, resulting in the game being abandoned. At the time of the suspension, the score was tied at 1-1, and Swedish fans were instructed to remain in the stadium.
Efforts to ensure the safe departure of supporters from the stadium were announced by Crisis Centre Belgium through a social media post, which read, “Arrangements to safely escort supporters from the Belgium-Sweden match out of the stadium are being examined. Supporters will be given more information at the stadium. Please follow the instructions of the emergency services.”
Tragically, the two victims of the shooting were reported to have been wearing Sweden shirts when the incident occurred, as per Swedish media sources. The shocking turn of events left fans in disbelief, with one Sweden supporter, Pernilla Califf, expressing, “I feel completely shocked. We don’t understand anything. Everyone is taking off their Swedish shirts and changing into neutral clothes. This is really unpleasant.”
Sweden’s coach, Janne Andersson, revealed during a press conference that the decision to not proceed with the match was made following the players’ unanimous agreement, out of respect for the victims and their families. He expressed his disbelief at the situation, saying, “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?”
Sweden’s captain, Victor Lindelof, assured that the players never felt in any immediate danger, and the security team efficiently handled the situation, ensuring the players’ safety. He commented, “Our security team handled it well and put us at ease. They explained that this is the safest place to be in Brussels.”
Notably, Belgium had already secured a place in the Euro 2024 finals in Germany, while Sweden’s hopes of qualification were dashed with Austria’s 1-1 draw against Azerbaijan earlier on the same day. Consequently, Lindelof emphasized, “Belgium are already qualified, and we don’t have the opportunity to get to the European Championship, so I see no reason to play.”
