THE Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden has been abandoned at half-time after two football fans were shot dead.
Two men, both wearing Sweden shirts, had been killed in the street before the game in Brussels.
AFPSweden vs Belgium was abandoned at half-time[/caption]
GettySweden players decided not to play the second half with Belgium stars agreeing[/caption]
APSupporters were told not to leave their seats[/caption]
Sweden players decided during the break to not resume the game, with the score 1-1 at half-time.
This decision was agreed to by their Belgian counterparts.
A statement from Belgium said: “Due to the incidents in Brussels earlier tonight, play is suspended. Our thoughts are with all those affected.”
Journalist Samindra Kunti reported the stadium announcer relayed this decision to fans but asked them to remain in their seats until security services confirmed it was safe to depart.
As an extra safety measure, fans were allowed to enter the press room.
A Uefa statement on the incident, said: “Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided, after consultation with the two teams and the local police authorities, that the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned.
“Further communication will be made in due course.”
Cops have launched an urgent manhunt following the shooting just after 7pm this evening.
AFPThousands of fans are now trapped inside the stadium[/caption]
APUefa confirmed the match had been abandoned after consultation with both teams and local police[/caption]
The attack happened around three miles from the King Baudouin Stadium where the match was being played.
The match was stopped as panic ensued among supporters – who have now been barricaded inside the stadium, which has capacity for 50,000 fans.
Thousands of terrified fans – including 700 Swedes – are now trapped inside.
Video shared online shows the alleged gunman in a fluorescent orange jacket arriving on a moped just three miles from the Heizel stadium.
The alleged shooter then chases several people into a building while firing shots from an automatic rifle.
It is believed he first shot at a van, with one man dying inside.
Meanwhile, a third victim has been rushed to hospital.
No suspect has yet been arrested.
Manhunt launched
Cops are now urgently hunting the gunman – and Belgium Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has asked residents to be “vigilant”.
He said: “My deepest condolences to the relatives of the cowardly assassination attempt in Brussels
“I monitor developments together with the Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs from the national crisis center
“We are monitoring the situation and would like to ask the residents of Brussels to be vigilant.”
Security services and ministers are currently gathered at a Crisis Center, amid fears of a terror motive.
The threat level for the Brussels Capital Region has been raised to level 4 – with officials telling locals to “avoid unnecessary movements”.
Regions are placed under level four “when the threat is serious and very imminent”.
Photos show a smaller gun left behind at the scene.
One witness told HBVL: “There was soon a crowd, including the police.
“I saw the victim less than five meters away from me. A man about 40 years old.
“And then a black Mercedes Vito with two or three bullet holes in it.
“Inside was the driver dead. The injured passenger, half his body filled with blood, but conscious.”
EPAA manhunt has been launched to find the alleged shooter[/caption]
ReutersTwo football supporters wearing Sweden shirts were shot in Brussels[/caption]
More to follow.
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