After a deadly shooting incident in Brussels, the match between Belgium and Sweden in the Euro 2024 qualifying round was abruptly called off at halftime.
Two Swedish nationals were killed before the game at the King Baudouin Stadium on the outskirts of the city, which forced the suspension of the game. According to early reports, the victims were dressed in Swedish football shirts.
The Swedish team had informed the officials that they did not wish to participate in the second half, and the Belgians concurred. At halftime, the score was tied at 1-1, and the game was declared over.
The Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexandre de Croo, acknowledged the victims’ nationalities and expressed his sympathies to Sweden. “I have just offered my sincere condolences to @SwedishPM following tonight’s harrowing attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels. Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost their loved ones. As close partners, the fight against terrorism is a joint one,” De Croo wrote.
The tragedy has shocked the football world and beyond, drawing attention to the constant threat of violence and terrorism. This unfortunate incident is still being looked into.