Euro 2024 qualifier: Police kill suspect for shooting 2 Swedes

Police have killed a man suspected of shooting two Swedes dead before Monday’s Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden in Brussels.

The suspect was killed after he was arrested by the police in a cafe in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, on Tuesday morning.

The match was abandoned at half-time by UEFA after the incident which was described by Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, as a “brutal terrorist attack”.

The two people killed were Swedish – and a third person was wounded in the attack.

De Croo said: “Last night three people left for what was supposed to be a wonderful soccer party.

“The perpetrator targeted specifically Swedish supporters who were in Brussels to attend a Red Devils soccer match. Two Swedish compatriots passed away. A third person is recovering from severe injuries.”

The shooting occurred around 45 minutes before kick-off and three miles (5km) from the stadium.

The score was 1-1 at half-time when the game was suspended and fans were told to remain in the King Baudouin Stadium “until security permits them to leave”.

Fans chanted “All together, All together,” with thousands from both sides also shouting “Sweden, Sweden!” as they waited inside Belgium’s national stadium.

According to Sky Sports, the 35,000 supporters were eventually allowed to leave in groups just after midnight local time.

After the game, Sweden coach, Janne Andersson, confirmed they were told about the incident at half-time and decided not to continue with the match.

He said: “Everyone was very sad and all the players agreed not to continue with the match.”

Manchester United and Sweden defender, Victor Lindelof, added: “We discussed the remainder of the match with the team and the Belgians. The conclusion was not to play anymore. The most important thing is that the supporters are safe now.”

A post from the Swedish FA on X, formerly known as Twitter, read: “Keep calm and take care of each other. Our thoughts go out to all the relatives of those affected in Brussels.”

The Belgian national FA also wrote: “Our thoughts are with all those affected.”

The Star