Published: 21:28, 16 Oct 2023Updated: 23:43, 16 Oct 2023
Fans were kept inside Belgium’s national stadium after the suspected terrorist attack in Brussels which has claimed the lives of two Swedish nationals.
The first half of the Euro 2024 qualifier at the King Baudouin Stadium on Monday night was played, however, it was abandoned after consultation with both teams and local police.
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The scene was cordoned offCredit: AFP
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No suspect has been arrested following the harrowing incidentCredit: AFP
It’s been confirmed that two Swedish nationals have been killed in a shooting. It’s not clear if they were due to attend the match.
No suspect has been arrested and police have cordoned off the scene.
Belgium’s National Crisis Centre raised the terror alert in the city to the highest level on Monday night. It was also moved to the second highest for the rest of Belgium.
It’s understood the shooting happened on the on the Boulevard d’Ypres at approximately 7pm local time, approximately three miles from the 35,000-seater stadium.
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A video on social media appears to show a man holding a gun claiming to be a member of the IS (Islamic State) and a ‘fighter for Allah.’
Sky News reports the man is also said to be carrying out the attack in ‘revenge in the name of Muslims.’
Another video, which is reported to be of the incident but has not been verified, showed a gunman in a fluorescent orange jacket and a white helmet chasing a person into a building before shooting at him.
While it’s not been confirmed what the motives for the attacks were, talkSPORT has been told that Sweden fans at the ground were advised to not make any yellow or blue clothing visible.
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Supporters at the ground were told to remain inside the stadium but have since been allowed to leaveCredit: AFP
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It’s understandably a hugely distressing time for those in BrusselsCredit: Getty
There’s no suggestion that the attack was carried out in the name of any of the atrocities happening in Israel and Gaza.
Fans in attendance at the match were kept behind for over two hours but were then told they would be allowed to leave calmly.
Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo posted on X: “My deepest condolences to the relatives of this cowardly attack in Brussels.
“I am closely following the situation, together with the Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs from @CrisiscenterBE.
“We are monitoring the situation and ask the people of Brussels to be vigilant.
“I have just offered my sincere condolences to @SwedishPM
following tonight’s harrowing attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost their loved ones. As close partners the fight against terrorism is a joint one.”
A UEFA spokesperson confirmed the game had been suspended on Monday.
In a statement, UEFA said: “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 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned.”
The score was 1-1 at the time. Viktor Gyokeres gave Sweden a 15th-minute lead, but Romelu Lukaku had Belgium level just after the half-hour.
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The match initially went ahead before being abandoned at half timeCredit: Getty
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