In the heart of Brussels, an evening that was supposed to be dedicated to a beautiful game took an unexpected and tragic turn. The Euro 2024 Group F qualifier between Belgium and Sweden, a clash that captured the attention of football fans around the world, has been brought to a sudden and grim halt. The game, which was fiercely contested in the first half, was abandoned at half-time due to a horrific incident that took place just outside the stadium walls. Two fatal shootings in Brussels, allegedly linked to terrorism, have left the world in shock and the football community in mourning.
The scene of this dramatic turn of events was the King Baudouin Stadium, a venue that has witnessed the triumphs and tribulations of Belgian football over the years. The stadium, located just outside the city center, was eagerly awaiting the clash between Belgium and Sweden, two football powerhouses. However, what should have been a celebration of the beautiful game turned into a scene of uncertainty, fear, and sadness.
The game was suspended at halftime with the score 1:1. Spectators were instructed to remain within the confines of the King Baudouin Stadium “until security allows them to leave”. The sudden stoppage of the match sent shockwaves through the stadium as fans grappled with the surreal and disturbing turn of events.
Football fans are on lockdown at Belgium’s national stadium after two Swedish citizens were shot dead in a terror-related incident.
An announcement at the stadium stated that “the players have decided that they do not want to continue the game due to what happened in Brussels today”, leading to the abandonment of Belgium vs. Sweden at Euro 2024 at halftime.
Police cordoned off the area and no suspects have yet been taken into custody.
A police spokeswoman admitted that two people died in the shooting, but would not provide further information.
On Monday evening, Belgium’s National Crisis Center raised its terror alert to the highest level.
Alexander De Croo, the nation’s prime minister, also appeared to link the incident to terrorism.
“I have just expressed my sincere condolences to the Prime Minister of Sweden after today’s appalling attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels,” the man wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“We pray for the friends and families who have lost loved ones. The war on terror is one we fight together as close allies.”
He expressed his “deepest condolences” to the families of those killed in a previous post that he called a “cowardly assassination attempt.”
In addition, he asked the citizens of Brussels to “be vigilant”.
The shooting site was north of the center of Brussels, near the Boulevard Ypres.
“I have just expressed my sincere condolences to the Prime Minister of Sweden after today’s appalling attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels,” the man wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“We pray for the friends and families who have lost loved ones. The war on terror is one we fight together as close allies.”
He expressed his “deepest condolences” to the families of those killed in a previous post that he called a “cowardly assassination attempt.”
In addition, he asked the citizens of Brussels to “be vigilant”.
The shooting site was north of the center of Brussels, near the Boulevard Ypres.
The King Baudouin Stadium, the venue for the Euro 2024 qualifier, is approximately 5 km from the area.
According to the witness, “I was completely shocked and immediately started screaming,” Belgian Dutch newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws reported.
Footage taken at the scene shows a man being chased into a building by a gunman wearing a white helmet and fluorescent orange jacket.
The tragedy in Brussels serves as a stark reminder that in pursuit of a shared love of the beautiful game, we must also strive to create a world where such senseless acts of violence have no place. It is a collective responsibility to foster an environment where safety and security are paramount, not just for the players on the field, but for all who come together to celebrate the game they love.
The fallout from this incident will undoubtedly spark discussions about security measures at sporting events and public gatherings. While the love of football remains, the incident in Brussels underlines that safety and security must remain at the forefront, including in the world of sport.
In the face of adversity, Brussels and the global football community stand as a symbol of resilience and unity. Just as this beautiful game unites people across borders, languages ​​, and cultures, it binds us in our determination to overcome challenges and face adversity with unwavering determination.
As the world processes the shocking events of that evening, one thing is clear: the spirit of unity, the unbreakable bonds forged by shared passion, and the determination to protect the values ​​of peace and solidarity will always triumph over darkness and hatred. As the echoes of that fateful evening in Brussels reverberate through time, they serve as a poignant reminder that in the world of football, as in life, we must continue to stick together, undeterred by the forces that seek to divide us.