Belgium v Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier abandoned after Brussels shooting

The Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden was abandoned at half-time following the fatal shooting in Brussels.

Players from both teams were kept inside the King Baudouin Stadium following the decision to stop the Euro 2024 qualifier for safety reasons.

Fans were also held back while authorities assessed the situation outside the ground.

Police escorted the Sweden team to the airport and authorities also accompanied Swedish fans into the city, as the gunman remained at large. 

Sweden manager Janne Andersson told reporters he and his players only found out about the shooting at half-time.

"I came into the locker room and when the team started talking, we agreed 100 per cent that we didn't want to play on out of respect for the victims and their families," he said.

Meddelande till svenska supportrar på plats i Bryssel: Den belgiska polisen vill av säkerhetsskäl att svenska supportrar stannar kvar på arenan. Ta del av information från funktionärer, myndigheter och SvFF:s personal på plats. pic.twitter.com/QYE5MQ7DE1

— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) October 16, 2023

Following the shooting on Boulevard d'Ypres, which happened at around 19:00 local time, police and emergency services closed nearby roads. 

Due to the incidents in Brussels earlier tonight, play is suspended. Our thoughts are with all those affected. pic.twitter.com/RTZHBEjjOC

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) October 16, 2023

The game was tied 1-1 when it was called off and Sweden captain Victor Lindelof said he didn’t see the need to reply the match. He said, “Belgium are already qualified and we don't have the opportunity to get to the European Championship, so I see no reason to play.”