Spectacular Turn of Events: Captivating Arrest Made in Belgium vs Sweden Euro 2024 Qualifier After Shocking Double Homicide
Belgium vs Sweden: Tragic incident mars Euro 2024 qualifier as two lives are lost before kick-off Brussels in shock as terror alert level reaches the highest point, with the Prime Minister condemning the brutal attack
A man who was suspected of fatally shooting two individuals prior to the Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden in Brussels on Monday has been apprehended. Reports suggest that the suspect was shot by the police, and the weapon believed to have been employed by the individual has been seized.
"The suspect appears to have been apprehended," said Philippe Close, the mayor of the Belgian capital, in an interview with BFM TV.
On Tuesday, the Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden shared the positive update that "we have located the individual."
UEFA abandoned the match at half-time due to an incident labeled as a "brutal terrorist attack" by Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. As a result, Belgian authorities in the capital have elevated the terror alert to its maximum level.
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De Croo stated that last night, three individuals departed for what was anticipated to be a fantastic football celebration.
"The perpetrator specifically targeted Swedish supporters who were in Brussels to attend a Red Devils soccer match. Sadly, two Swedish compatriots lost their lives, while a third person is currently recuperating from severe injuries," stated De Croo.
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A map showing the location of the shooting and the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels
The shooting occurred approximately 45 minutes prior to kick-off, about 3 miles (5km) away from the stadium. It is uncertain whether the victims were present in Brussels to attend the match. However, according to reports, both individuals were wearing Swedish football shirts.
At half-time, with a score of 1-1, the game was halted and spectators were instructed to remain inside King Baudouin Stadium until it was deemed safe for them to depart.
Chants of "All together, All together," reverberated through Belgium's national stadium, as thousands of fans from both sides eagerly shouted "Sweden, Sweden!" while awaiting their departure. Eventually, the 35,000-strong crowd was permitted to exit the stadium in small groups, shortly after midnight local time. Regrettably, the unidentified gunman responsible for the incident remains at large.
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Supporters turned their mobile phone lights on at half-time
Sweden coach Janne Andersson confirmed that they were informed about the incident during halftime and made the collective decision to abstain from continuing the match. He expressed, "Our team was deeply saddened by the situation, and all the players unanimously agreed to forgo playing further."
Victor Lindelof, the defender from Manchester United and Sweden, further stated, "We held discussions with both our team and the Belgian players regarding the remaining duration of the match. Ultimately, the conclusion was to halt the game. Ensuring the safety of the spectators is the utmost priority at this point."
The Swedish FA posted on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, with the message: "Stay calm and support one another. Our condolences are with the families of those impacted in Brussels."
Similarly, the Belgian national FA expressed: "Our sympathies are with all those impacted."
