Belgian police shoot dead Brussels attacker after Belgium vs Sweden abandoned

Belgian police have shot dead the gunman who killed two Swedish football fans and injured a third in Brussels on Monday evening ahead of the match between Belgium and Sweden.

The two sides were preparing to play their 2024 Euro qualifying match and played through the first half before the match was abandoned with the gunman still at large at the time. However, police eventually hunted down Abdesalem Lassoued, a 45-year-old man, who was shot in a café in the Schaerbeek neighbourhood.

The attack took place just three miles away from the King Baudouin Stadium where the match was being held, with Brussels placed on its highest terror alert since the attack began. Statements from both countries' respective football associations told supporters stuck inside the stadium to remain where they were, with both sets of players deciding at half-time to not play out the second half.

After the game's abandonment, UEFA posted a statement on their social media which read: "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."

Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski had started the match for Sweden, and was one of the many who were left stuck inside the stadium last night as the events unfolded. It was Viktor Gyokeres who made it 1-0 to the visitors, after his incredible solo effort from his own half showed his capabilities to the watching audience.

However, Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku scored his 78th goal for Belgium from the penalty spot in order to level the score at the break. During the prolonged halftime, both sets of fans began chanting "All together, All together!" and "Sweden, Sweden!" in a showing of solidarity between the two nations following the attack.

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Following the match, Sweden manager Janne Andersson confirmed him and his side were told about the incident at halftime. He said: "Everyone was very sad and all the players agreed not to continue with the match."

Manchester United defender and Sweden captain Victor Lindelof also 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."