He Belgium vs. Sweden on Monday, October 16 for ranking at Euro 2024 it was suspendedaccording to the authorities, for security reasons. Fans could not leave the stadium for several hours after a terrorist attack in which two Swedes lost their lives at the hands of an assailant.
Why was Belgium suspended against him? Sweden? What did the Brussels attack have to do with it?
According to authorities, two Swedish fans were murdered in Brussels. The events took place near the stadium where Belgium’s Euro qualifier against Sweden was being played.
The local media gave more details: a The perpetrator used a long weapon (automatic rifle) with which he injured a third person, who is in serious condition. while chanting the phrase “Allahu Akbar” (“God is the greatest”, in Arabic).
“In the evening, the incident was claimed on social networks. The message was recorded by a person who identified himself as the perpetrator. He claims to be inspired by the Islamic State.”mentioned it Belgian Crisis Centre it is a statement.
Journalist Colin Millar reported that the attacker remained in the area near the pitch and that the players, upon learning of the incident, did not want to come out to play the second half. A few minutes later UEFA confirmed the suspension of the match which remained tied 1-1.
Two Swedish soccer fans have been shot dead ahead of tonight’s Euro qualifier in Brussels with Belgium. The perpetrator remains at large and according to information is near the stadium. Brussels is on high alert for terrorism. The game, at half-time, (notably) has not been interrupted by football…
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) October 16, 2023
Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided, after consultation with both teams and local police authorities, to call off the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden. Further communication will be made at…
— UEFA (@UEFA) October 16, 2023
It is estimated that 35,000 people watched the match at the King Baudouin Stadium and who remained there for several hours until they were finally evacuated. Journalist Samindra Kunti even showed shortly after the attack that the fans The Swedes were even protected in the press room for security reasons.
View of current stage. Evacuation of the tribune 3. Afterwards 2. The Swedish fans will have a police escort. pic.twitter.com/4qWpmVSyI4
— Samindra Kunti (@samindrakunti) October 16, 2023
The perpetrator uploaded a video on social networks, claiming responsibility. The National Crisis Center of Belgiumbefore they locate the person responsible, raised the Terrorist Threat Level to category 4 (the highest); Therefore, they asked their citizens to avoid any movement on the roads.
Who attacked Swedish fans in Brussels
According to multiple reports, the subject authorities were looking for was Abdesalem Lassoued, of Tunisian origin and 45 years old. The illegal resident was shot dead by Belgian police while in a cafe on Eugène Verboekhoven square in Schaarbeek.
“The suspect was not on the OCAD (terrorism suspect) list because he was not known for any terrorist offenses in our databases.” assured the Minister of the Interior, Annelies Verlindenon Radio 1.
And he added: “The attack was unprovoked. The information we have today appears to indicate that the attack is related to Swedish targets.”
For his part, the Belgian Prime Minister also expressed himself, Alexander De Croo, “This terrorist attack shakes the foundations of our peaceful societies” he emphasized at a press conference held on Tuesday.
“At this time, there are no indications that the attack is related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” added the Belgian Crisis Centre.
