In Brussels at the King Baudouin Stadium last night, during the 2024 UEFA European Championship match between Sweden and Belgium, a separate announcement was made at the end of the first half due to security concerns. After two Swedish citizens were killed in a terrorist attack involving gunfire in Brussels, the match was declared separate. Both teams and local police agreed to this decision.
During the halftime announcement, it was stated that the players would not return to the field, and the spectators were also instructed to stay inside the stadium. The UEFA, the governing body of European football, posted on their website, “Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, both teams and local police have decided to declare the 2024 UEFA European Championship match between Belgium and Sweden separate.” After spending nearly an hour and a half inside the stadium, the spectators were eventually allowed to leave. Approximately 35,000 spectators were present in the stadium.
Belgium’s Prime Minister described the attack as “terrorism,” and the attackers have not been apprehended yet. Some Belgian news outlets reported that the two Swedish citizens killed in the attack were wearing the jerseys of their national football team. The Swedish Football Association expressed support for the affected individuals through social media, saying, “Our thoughts are with those who have been affected in Brussels.”
At the end of the first half, the match was tied 1-1. Sweden took the lead with a goal from Viktor Gayaokeres, but Belgium equalized from a penalty kick by Romelu Lukaku. Belgium had already secured their place in the main tournament of the European Championship next year. After learning about the attack, the Swedish players did not want to continue the match.
According to the BBC, the shooting incident leading to the fatalities took place a few hours before the match. The Swedish national football team was taken to the airport by the police as a precaution. Swedish supporters also received police protection in Brussels. Sweden’s coach, Jan Andersson, stated that after hearing about the attack, the Swedish national team did not want to play the match.
The shooting incident occurred in the Boulevard de l’Empereur, about 3 miles from the King Baudouin Stadium. Belgium, having earned 16 points from 6 matches in the “F” group, had already secured their place as the top team in the group. Azerbaijan lost to Austria 1-0, allowing Austria to advance as the second team in the group. As a result, Sweden’s dreams of playing in the UEFA Euro were ended. Sweden’s captain, Victor Lindelof, stated, “Belgium has already advanced to the final tournament. We have no chance. Therefore, there is no reason to play this match again.”
