Deadly armed attack in Brussels leads to postponement of Euro 2024 Qualifying match
Armed Attack in Brussels: 2 People Killed, Euro 2024 Qualifying Match Postponed
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, was struck by a tragic incident as an armed attack took place in the city. Two Swedish individuals were killed in the attack, which has prompted the country to raise its terror alert to the highest level. Authorities have already begun efforts to apprehend the attacker responsible for this heinous act. Meanwhile, the Euro 2024 Qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden scheduled to take place was postponed due to the attack.
According to reports from local press sources, the incident unfolded at around 7:15 PM local time. A person donning an orange coat rode on a motorcycle and began randomly firing shots in the vicinity of Sainctelette Square, d’Ypres, and Ninieme de Ligne boulevards. The footage captured during the attack shows the suspect dismounting the motorcycle after firing several shots and subsequently entering a building before disappearing from sight.
The attack claimed the lives of two Swedish citizens who had traveled to Brussels to watch the match between Belgium and Sweden, part of the EURO 2024 Qualifiers. As of now, there is no information regarding the number of individuals injured in the vicinity of King Baudouin Stadium, which was located approximately 5 kilometers away from the site of the attack.
Authorities in the affected area have closed down shops as a precautionary measure, while the terror alert has been raised to the highest level. The impact of the attack also reverberated in the sporting world, leading to the postponement of the Euro 2024 Qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden.
In a statement issued by UEFA, it was announced that the match, which had completed its first half, was suspended due to the “possibility of a terrorist attack.” The decision was made in consultation with the two teams and security forces. Swedish national players reportedly conveyed their request not to continue the second half to the referee, which was approved by their Belgian counterparts.
The Belgian press stated that fans in the stadium were informed via loudspeakers to remain in their seats until authorities captured the attacker. The match itself saw Sweden take an early lead with a goal from Gyökeres in the 15th minute, but Belgium equalized with a penalty kick from Lukaku in the 31st minute. The first half ended with a 1-1 draw before the suspension of the match.
Both the Swedish and Belgian football federations extended their condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the attack. In a joint statement posted on their respective social media accounts, the federations expressed their sympathies and offered support to those affected by this tragic event.
The Swedish Football Federation issued a warning to its citizens attending the match, urging them not to leave the stadium and to cooperate with instructions from Belgian police. Information regarding the injuries sustained during the attack near the King Baudouin Stadium is yet to be obtained.
This shocking incident serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in our world and the importance of vigilant security measures. As investigations continue and condolences pour in for the victims, authorities will strive to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all citizens and visitors alike.
