Belgium’s Euro 2024 qualifier towards Sweden was deserted at half-time for safety causes after two Swedish folks have been shot useless in Brussels.
The killings occurred within the metropolis hours earlier than the sport and are being handled as terrorism. The gunman is at massive.
The choice to desert the sport was confirmed at about 21:30 BST.
Followers and gamers have been ordered to remain within the King Baudouin Stadium for their very own security, earlier than an evacuation started at about 22:45 BST.
The Sweden crew got a police escort to the airport, whereas Sweden followers have been accompanied by the police into the town.
Sweden boss Janne Andersson mentioned he and the gamers solely discovered in regards to the taking pictures at half-time.
“After I got here down for the break, I obtained this info. Instantly, I felt that it was utterly unreal. What sort of world can we dwell in at the moment?” he mentioned.
“I got here into the locker room and when the crew began speaking, we agreed 100% that we did not need to play on out of respect for the victims and their households.”
It’s not but identified whether or not the victims have been in Brussels to look at the Euro 2024 qualifier.
A Swedish FA social media put up mentioned: “Our ideas exit to all of the relations of these affected in Brussels.”
The Belgian nationwide crew’s account posted a press release that learn: “Our ideas are with all these affected.”
A video posted on social media confirmed an Arabic-speaking man claiming he carried out the assault within the identify of God.
Following the taking pictures on Boulevard d’Ypres, which occurred at round 18:00 BST (19:00 native time), police and emergency companies cordoned off close by roads.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo “provided my honest condolences to the Swedish PM following tonight’s harrowing assault on Swedish residents in Brussels”.
He added: “Our ideas are with the households and mates who misplaced their family members. As shut companions the combat towards terrorism is a joint one.”
The sport was 1-1 when it was deserted.
Sweden captain Victor Lindelof mentioned: “Belgium are already certified and we do not have the chance to get to the European Championship, so I see no purpose to play [replay the game].”
