Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden had to be canceled after two people were shot dead in Brussels on Monday evening.
The horrific attack unfolded on the streets of the Belgian capital and according to reports, the victims were wearing Swedish national shirts.
Belgium’s National Crisis Centre has confirmed a third victim, a taxi driver who was wounded but is now out of danger.
No arrests have been made and the unidentified gunman remains on the loose, prompting Brussels to be placed on the highest level of terrorism alert.
The match took place at the King Baudouin Stadium which is approximately 4.8Km from the site of the shooting.
Former Coventry City star, Viktor Gyokeres found the net in the 15th minute granting Sweden the lead and barely fifteen minutes later,Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku converted a penalty to make it 1-1.
Read Also: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Vandalised
At half-time, the decision was made to suspend the game. It is claimed Sweden’s players didn’t want to continue the game following the attack and Belgium players supported that decision.
The fans were instructed to remain in the King Baudouin Stadium until security permits them to leave.
Swedish fans were given a police escort as they left the stadium, while their players were scheduled to head directly to the airport for their journey back home.
Read Also: Vinicius Jr: Brazilian Reveals Why he Won’t Spend his Entire Career at Real Madrid
UEFA released a statement shortly after “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. Further communication will be made in due course.”
Sweden’s official account on X (formerly known as Twitter) read,”Take part in information from officials, authorities and staff on site. Keep calm and take care of each other. Our thoughts go out to all the relatives of those affected in Brussels.”
Belgium also issued a statement on their official account on X, “Due to the incidents in Brussels earlier tonight, play is suspended,Our thoughts are with all those affected.”
A terrorism investigation has been launched in response to the shooting and authorities are actively working to locate the gunman.
Subscribe to Switch TV for more exciting content
