Belgium-Sweden match abandoned after deadly shooting in Brussels
BRUSSELS (AP) — Thousands of soccer followers have been saved inside Belgium’s nationwide stadium for about two-and-a-half hours Monday after a recreation between host Belgium and Sweden was suspended at halftime following a gunman fatally taking pictures two Swedes in Brussels earlier than kickoff.
The European Championship qualifier was being performed some 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the taking pictures within the middle of the Belgian capital metropolis, with over 35,000 followers attending the match.
With the suspect nonetheless at giant, Belgian authorities saved followers contained in the venue for safety causes earlier than they began the evacuation round midnight native time.
Fans chanted “All together, All together” contained in the King Baudouin Stadium after the match was halted, with hundreds of supporters from each side additionally shouting “Sweden, Sweden!”
Eric Van Duyse, spokesman for the federal prosecutor’s workplace, informed reporters the investigation was centering on “a possible terrorist motivation for the shooting.”
“During the evening, a claim of responsibility was posted on social media, having been recorded by a person claiming to be the assailant. This person claims to be inspired by Islamic State,” Van Duyse stated. “The Swedish nationality of the victims was put forward as the probable motive for the act. At this time, no element indicates a possible link with the Israeli-Palestinian situation.”
Van Duyse added that “security measures were urgently taken to protect the Swedish supporters.”
Fans remained affected person effectively into the night time and have been nonetheless chanting as midnight approached.
Belgium had already certified for the event to be held in Germany subsequent 12 months. The groups have been tied 1-1 at halftime after Romelu Lukaku canceled out Viktor Gyokeres’ opener.
European soccer governing physique UEFA confirmed the match had been known as off.
“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,” UEFA stated.
According to Swedish media, some Sweden followers left the stands and have been allowed within the press room within the stadium. One fan, Peter Lindqvist, who’s on the stadium, informed the Expressen newspaper that followers have been urged to talk English and take a taxi as soon as they’re allowed to depart the stadium.
Players and officers supported the choice to name off the match.
“I found out during the break on the way down and the decision from all the players and managers, both us and Belgium, is obvious, that we cannot play the match. It is completely disgusting,” stated Sweden coach Janne Andersson. “I get so sad. It is extremely tragic and I think of those affected and their relatives. What kind of world are we living in?”
Belgium’s disaster middle raised the extent of menace in Brussels to the best potential and requested residents to keep away from pointless journey.
The Swedish FA earlier stated in a message to Swedish supporters on website that the Belgian police needed followers to remain within the area for safety causes.
“Keep calm and take care of each other,” the FA stated. “Our thoughts go out to all the relatives of those affected in Brussels.”
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo urged the assault, which came about greater than an hour earlier than the match, was linked to “terrorism.”
“A horrible shooting in Brussels, and the perpetrator is actively being tracked down,” stated Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden, including that she was becoming a member of authorities talks on the National Crisis Center.
