In Brussels, security services imposed a ban on spectators at the Roi Baudouin Stadium for the Euro 2024 qualifying clash between Belgium and Sweden after a lethal terrorist incident claimed the lives of two Swedish supporters. Authorities reported that the focus at the scene shifted from a typical match day to a complex emergency response, with teams from police, security and emergency services coordinating the response to preserve public safety in a high‑risk environment. The incident immediately prompted a heightened security posture, reflecting the need to manage crowd movement and protect attendees, staff, and residents nearby as investigators worked to determine a credible threat and any potential links to the broader security landscape.
Within hours, RTL reported on the evolving plan to remove fans safely from the stadium. Journalists indicated that authorities would implement a staged evacuation, moving supporters incrementally from one seating area to another and then guiding them toward predesignated exit routes. A security cordon was established to escort fans to parking facilities and temporary assembly points, with the process designed to reduce congestion and minimize danger while the perimeter remained secured. The step‑by‑step approach aimed to maintain order, avoid panic, and ensure clear lines of communication between security personnel and spectators throughout the evacuation.
The first half finished with the score tied at 1–1. Swedish forward Victor Diekeres opened the scoring in the 15th minute, and Romelu Lukaku converted a penalty in the 32nd minute to restore parity for Belgium. The on‑field moments occurred amid a broader security operation, underscoring how games lived in a tense environment can unfold while safety measures take center stage off the pitch. Players, coaching staff, and fans alike experienced a mix of sportsmanship and caution as the match progressed under the shadow of the incident and the ongoing security response.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo addressed the public, urging Brussels residents to remain vigilant and to limit nonessential movements as investigators pursued leads. The crisis coordination center advised people in the capital to stay indoors when possible and to follow official instructions. The government emphasized that normal city life should continue only where safe, and that authorities would provide updates as the investigation advanced and the risk assessment evolved. Law enforcement officials stressed the importance of public cooperation for the thorough review of events and the rapid identification of any threats that might affect public gatherings in the capital region.
Former Swedish national team players clarified that they were not involved in any unauthorized actions during the disruption and reiterated that security personnel were responding to the situation rather than the players themselves. They noted that the incident had a profound impact on those present, from supporters who traveled to watch the game to residents going about their daily routines, and highlighted the need for careful, organized procedures in the face of such threats. The ongoing investigation remained a priority for authorities, who continued to communicate with the public about safety protocols and any changes to plans surrounding fixtures and large events in urban centers.