Two swedish nationals were on Monday shot dead in Central Brussels according to Police reports. The two fans who were rocking the football jerseys were identified as swedish. The incident forced the Sweden Vs Belgium match to be suspended.
According to reports, the shooter is yet to be arrested as he still remains at large. According to a video released after the incident, the gunman is believed to be a member of the ISIS. He posted “boasting” having done the act.
According to a Swedish news outlet, “In his very violent speech, he said he had shot two people to avenge the Muslims and that we live and die for our religion.”
UEFA has also confirmed the incident and wrote a statement on X:
“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 UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned. Further communication will be made in due course.”
The incident happened during half time and reports indicate that the Sweden players didn’t want to continue with the game. The Belgium players supported that decision immediately.
Sweden officials have encouraged people to minimise travel and stay in homes as the gunman is located. This comes at a time that the Israel-Hamas war is intensifying. The European Union is encouraging its members to keep watch on terror activities that may be perpetuated on them.
Fans were escorted away from the stadium after the incident. Sweden’s authorities have said that urgent measures have been taken to protect fans.
Meanwhile an injured taxi driver is claimed to be in stable condition and “out of danger”. More to follow as the suspect is still at large.
Just before the attack, Viktor Gyokeres had given Sweden a 15th-minute lead, but Romelu Lukaku leveled for Belgium.
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