Terror Strikes at the Belgium-Sweden Euro 2024 Qualifier
The Belgium-Sweden Euro 2024 qualifying match was cancelled at halftime on Monday night due to a fatal gunshot in the heart of Brussels.
The Manhunt Begins
Police in Belgium have initiated a manhunt following a terrorist attack in Brussels that claimed the lives of two Swedish citizens and injured a third.
Monday night’s Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden was abandoned at halftime due to the attack.
The Attack and its Aftermath
A short time later, a man who claimed to be the assailant uploaded a video to social media in which he identified himself as a “fighter for Allah” and a member of Islamic State (IS).
Furthermore, he asserted that he executed the assault as “revenge in the name of Muslims.”
In one Belgian newspaper, a witness heard the gunman say “Allahu Akbar” (Arabic for “God is great”) before firing.
Another video showed a white-helmeted gunman with a bright orange windcheater chasing a man into a building and opening fire.
Leaders Respond to the Tragedy
Alexander de Croo, the prime minister of the country, appeared to associate the incident with terrorism.
He sympathised with the Swedish prime minister on X, formerly Twitter, after the Brussels attack on Swedish nationals tonight.
“The bereaved families and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. Due to their strong partnership, they are jointly engaged in the endeavor to combat terrorism.
In a previous message, he offered his “deepest condolences” to the victims’ families of a “cowardly attack”.
Additionally, he advised Brussels residents to “maintain vigilance.”
Football Match Abandoned
A UEFA representative verified on Monday that play had been suspended.
UEFA issued the following statement: “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.”
Later, Sweden coach Janne Andersson stated on the Swedish website Fotbollskanalen, “Under these circumstances, football is impossible to play.” Belgium and we both concur that it would be unwise to engage in play.
Laura Demullier, of the OCAD anti-terrorism center in Belgium, stated that ensuring the secure evacuation of the stadium’s tens of thousands of football fans was their highest priority.
“Fans, feel free to depart the stadium in a composed manner,” read a message that appeared on the large stadium screen more than two hours subsequent to the game’s suspension.
After Koran burnings in Sweden and Denmark, riots have erupted in Sweden in recent months.
Muslim leaders have petitioned the Swedish government to ban Koran burnings, but police have allowed them under free speech.
