Belgium vs Sweden abandoned after terror attack with players including Man United star Victor Lindelof agreeing to stop
Fans were kept inside Belgium's national stadium for more than two hours after a terrorist attack in Brussels which claimed the lives of two Swedish nationals.
The first half of the Euro 2024 qualifier at the King Baudouin Stadium in the capital city on Monday night was played, however, it was abandoned at 1-1 after consultation with both teams and local police.
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It's been confirmed that two Swedish nationals were shot dead and the nation's terror alert was raised to its highest level, meaning there was a very serious and imminent threat.
It's understood the shooting happened on the on the Boulevard d'Ypres at approximately 7pm local time, approximately three miles from the 35,000-seater stadium, though it is not clear if the victims were due to attend the match.
Sweden manager Janne Andersson later confirmed the players had asked for the game to be abandoned when they learned about the shooting.
"I felt it was completely unreal," he said. "What kind of world do we live in today? I was supposed to have a good chat with the players but I heard it and almost started crying.
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"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."
Manchester United defender, Victor Lindelof, who is Sweden's captain, said the security around the squad put the team 'at ease'.
"They explained that this is the safest place to be in Brussels," 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."
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Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo expressed his thoughts on X, writing: "My deepest condolences to the relatives of this cowardly attack in Brussels.
"I have just offered my sincere condolences to Swedish PM following tonight's harrowing attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels.
"Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost their loved ones. As close partners the fight against terrorism is a joint one."
talkSPORT has been told that Sweden fans at the ground were advised to not make any yellow or blue clothing visible.
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Shortly before 11pm, Belgium's National Crisis Centre announced the stadium was evacuated and advised those inside to go home immediately.
A man, who identified himself as a member of the Islamic State, claimed responsibility in a video posted online and said he was a fighter for Allah.
A video on social media appears to show a man holding a gun claiming to be a member of the IS (Islamic State) and a 'fighter for Allah.'
It has also been widely reported that the man in question said he had carried out the attack in 'revenge in the name of Muslims.'
On Tuesday morning, it was reported that police in Belgium had shot dead the suspect in a cafe.