UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier match between Belgium and Sweden was abruptly abandoned at half-time on Monday, October 16, raising concerns among soccer enthusiasts around the world.
At the same time, the unexpected halt to the game left fans and players in disbelief, as the match, initially poised to be a thrilling showdown, was overshadowed by an incident that had unfolded just before kick-off.
The eagerly anticipated clash between the Belgian Red Devils and Sweden turned to despair as the encounter was marred by violence that left two people dead.
Moreover, Belgian authorities elevated the terror alert to its highest level in the capital, with Prime Minister Alexander De Croo describing the incident as a “brutal terrorist attack.”
Belgium vs Sweden match suspended at half-time
UEFA confirmed the suspension, attributing it to a “suspected terrorist attack.”
The incident took place just 45 minutes before the scheduled kick-off, setting the stage for a night of chaos and confusion.
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Thousands of supporters from both sides had gathered at the King Baudouin Stadium in anticipation of a mouthwatering clash.
Addressing the incident, Belgium’s Prime Minister De Croo said, “Last night three people left for what was supposed to be a wonderful soccer party.”
He lamented the brutal targeting of Swedish supporters who were in Brussels to attend the soccer match.
Sweden fans targeted
A man claiming affiliation with the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack in a video posted online.
Reports suggested that the two victims were wearing Swedish football shirts, but the finer details remained scanty.
With the score standing at 1-1 at half-time, the game was officially suspended, and the fans were instructed to remain within the King Baudouin Stadium “until security permits them to leave.”
Manchester United’s Swedish defender, Victor Lindelof, added his perspective, stating, “We discussed the remainder of the match with the team and the Belgians.
The conclusion was not to play anymore. The most important thing is that the supporters are safe now.”
Fans unite and evacuate safely
Amid the uncertainty, a sense of unity prevailed as fans chanted “All together, all together,” with thousands from both sides joining into shouting “Sweden, Sweden!”
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The 35,000 supporters were eventually allowed to leave in groups just after midnight local time, though the perpetrator of the attack remained at large.
Following the unprecedented turn of events, Sweden’s coach, Janne Andersson, confirmed that the team was informed of the incident during half-time and collectively decided not to continue with the match.
He explained, “Everyone was very sad, and all the players agreed not to continue with the match.”
