Sweden fans under police protection after two dead in Brussels shooting

Hundreds of Sweden fans passed the night in hotels with heavy police protection after two Swedes were shot dead in Brussels on Monday.

Following the unfortunate incident, Sweden’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Belgium was abandoned at half-time over security concerns. The half-time score stood at 1-1.

Also, after an evacuation of the King Baudouin Stadium began, Sweden players have flown home and will return to their clubs.

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The BBC reported that on Tuesday morning, police in Brussels shot the attacker dead.

The Swedish Football Association (SvFF) stated it got news of the killings just before the match started.

However, the game was allowed to commence as scheduled because Belgian police and authorities considered the stadium “the safest place”. The stadium is 5km (three miles) from the location where the shooting took place.

Sweden captain Victor Lindelof said he did not think the match should be replayed since Belgium already qualified for Euro 2024 while Sweden can no longer do so.

“They explained that this is the safest place to be in Brussels,” the Manchester United defender said.

“I’m lost for words”

Writing on X on Tuesday, Lindelof said: “I’m shocked and devastated by the terrible incidents in Brussels with the cold-hearted attacks on our fellow Swedes.

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“I’m lost for words for the cruelty and inhumanity. I want to send my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those affected.

“At the same time, my thoughts go out to all the supporters in Belgium last night. No-one should ever go to a game of football and feel unsafe when supporting their team.”

Also, Belgium Prime Minister Alexander de Croo called the killings “a harrowing act of terrorism”. He said this at a news conference on Tuesday.