A “terrorist act” stops the Belgium-Sweden match… dead outside the stadium

The Belgian Federal Prosecution opened an investigation into a terrorist act after an attack that resulted in the death of two Swedish fans and a number of others injured during a match in Brussels between Belgium and its host Sweden in the eighth round of the European Nations Cup qualifiers, “Euro 2024”.

The match was stopped on Monday, after the Swedish national team learned that Swedish fans had been killed in an assault incident outside the stadium during the first half, refusing to resume the match for security reasons and to protect the Swedish fans who were present in the stands, which were filled with more than 50,000 spectators.

The Swedish TV 6 network reported that gunfire was heard in the streets surrounding the match stadium during the first half, and it became clear at the time that a gunman had assaulted two Swedish fans and fled after committing the crime while wearing an orange jacket, and left the scene of the attack using a motorcycle.

Social media pioneers circulated a video of the suspect carrying out the operation, indicating that he is called Abdul Salam Al-Jilani, nicknamed “The Black Key,” of Moroccan nationality and belonging to ISIS.

The confrontation was tied 1-1, as the Swedish national team took the lead through Sporting Lisbon player Victor Gjokeres in the 15th minute, and the Chelsea striker, loaned to Italian Romelu Lukaku, responded with an equalizing goal in the 31st minute from the penalty spot, and during a break between the two halves, the Swedish national team learned the details. The incident caused social media sites to decide not to return to the field again, and to demand that the match be cancelled.

Belgium leads the group with 16 points on goal difference, ahead of second Austria, and 10 points behind Sweden, which played one match less than Belgium and two matches less than Austria.