By: Sandipan Ghosh Image credit: Getty Images
Belgium vs Sweden, a Group F match in the 2024 UEFA Euro Qualifiers, was abandoned after the first half due to a horrific shooting that claimed two Swedish lives.
That match was played at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on October 16, which was about 3 miles away from the fatal shooting incident.
Just 10 minutes before the kickoff, the CEO of the Belgian soccer union, Manu Leroy, learned “something serious” had happened in Brussels. Later, they learned that a gunman killed two Swedish people.
The Belgium vs Sweden match started on time and continued till the end of the first half. Both teams scored once each before the half-time break. That match was suspended only after the first half.
More than 35000 people attended that game in the Belgian capital city. However, there was no confirmation report whether any of the demised Swedish people came to watch that match or not.
According to media reports, players and spectators were instructed to stay in the stadium even after the match was officially abandoned. It was about 75 minutes stay before the evacuation began.
UEFA stated on the match cancellation, "Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided......EURO 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned."
While Belgium have already booked their tickets for the UEFA Euro 2024, Sweden have no more chance to qualify for the next UEFA Euro tournament.
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