Swedish football was today in mourning following the shootings in Brussels that left two supporters of the national team dead and one injured.
The fans were attacked on Boulevard d’Ypres ahead of Sweden’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Belgium by a 45-year-old of Tunisian descent who was later shot and killed by police.
The match went ahead but, as news of the incidents filtered through, was suspended at half-time with the score level at 1-1 and subsequently abandoned with both teams indicating they did not wish to play the second half.
Clubs in the domestic Allsvenskan league have been swift to express their sympathy and outlined plans to honour the victims.
A Malmo statement read: “In honour of the victims of the attack in Brussels, we will hold a minute’s silence before Sunday’s match against Varberg. Our thoughts are with those affected and their relatives.”
IFK Gothenburg wrote: “On Tuesday, we will fly the flag at half mast at [training complex] Kamratgarden. We do it for the victims of the terrible act in Brussels. Our thoughts are with them, their families and the Swedish football supporters who we wish a safe journey home.”
IFK Norrkoping Women take on AIK in Solna this evening with the events in Belgium still fresh in the memory.
“In tonight’s match, we will play with black armbands to honour the victims of the crime in Brussels. Our thoughts are with those affected, their relatives and all Swedish supporters in Belgium,” read an IFK statement.
The Swedish FA have yet to announce wider plans on how to pay tribute to those killed with senior officials making their way home from Belgium.
FA president Fredrik Reinfeldt, speaking from the stadium last night, said: “Our thoughts are with the victims and their relatives at this difficult time.
“What happened is a disgusting attack on innocent people who were going to a football match. We all feel enormous anger and sadness, but at the same time must keep calm.”
