Sweden vs Belgium Euro 2024 qualifier abandoned after two fans die in shooting incident

Sweden vs Belgium called off after shooting incident | Imago

Sweden vs Belgium Euro 2024 qualifier abandoned after two fans die in shooting incident

Ayoola Kelechi 23:56 - 16.10.2023

Two fans were killed in Brussels by a gunman forcing the match between Sweden and Belgium to called off

The 2024 European Championships qualifier between Sweden and Belgium was suspended after it was revealed that two fans were fatally wounded in a shooting incident. 

Swedish fans shot in Brussels ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers

Before the start of the match, two Swedish fans who travelled to Brussels to watch their national team play against Belgium were shot and killed, with their deaths causing the match to be halted at halftime. 

The match started despite the incident, but when news filtered into the stadium, the players decided that it would be best not to continue under the circumstances and did not emerge for the second half. 

Sweden supporters changing clothes after news of the attack | Imago
Sweden supporters changing clothes after news of the attack | Imago

Players and fans were all remanded inside the stadium for safety reasons, as the shooter was still at large. 

Belgian authorities search for active shooter

Belgian authorities stated that they were treating the shooting as a terrorist incident and launched a manhunt for a man with an orange jacket believed to be responsible for the carnage. 

At the time of its suspension, the match was deadlocked at 1-1, with goals from Romelu Lukaku and Viktor Gyökeres keeping the side level. 

Swedish players after hearing the news of the shootings | Imago
Swedish players after hearing the news of the shootings | Imago

It is unclear when the game will be replayed as the end of the current international window draws near. 

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