LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) Victor Lindelof, a star for both Manchester United and the Swedish national team, has expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy during Sweden’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Belgium in Brussels.
The game was abruptly abandoned at half-time after two Swedish fans wearing the team’s shirts were fatally shot.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo confirmed that the victims were targeted because of their nationality.
In a statement shared on Twitter, Lindelof conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families and his shock at the heartless attacks.
He wrote, “I’m shocked and devastated by the terrible incidents in Brussels with the cold-hearted attacks on our fellow Swedes.
READ ALSO: Belgium Vs Sweden Euro 2024 Qualifier Abandoned After Brussels Shooting
“I’m lost for words for the cruelty and inhumanity. I want to send my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those affected.
“At the same time, my thoughts go out to all the supporters in Belgium last night; no one should ever go to a game of football and feel unsafe when supporting their team.”
As captain of the Swedish national team, Victor Lindelof played a pivotal role in the decision to abandon the match.
While the officials did not immediately call off the game, instead bringing the players back to their respective dressing rooms, Lindelof initiated discussions with his teammates and the Belgian players.
An agreement was quickly reached to stop the game, given the tragic circumstances.
Lindelof explained, “I tried to talk to all the players about how they felt. And then I felt that I wanted to speak to the Belgian players.
“I explained the situation, and we were very clear that we did not want to carry on, and they completely understood that.
“There are players who had family and friends here, and we wanted to look after our fans.
“Those who had family and friends here wanted to make contact with them to see if they were OK. People were worried, but our security team handled it very well.”
Victor Lindelof has been representing Sweden since 2016 and has earned 61 caps for his national team.
The resumption date for the abandoned qualifier remains unconfirmed, with the score level at 1-1 when the game was stopped.
The tragic event in Brussels has left the football world in mourning and raised concerns about security at sporting events.