After the attack in Sweden, the police have increased their presence at Wembley for the Euro qualifier.
The police will increase their presence at Wembley tonight for the England vs Italy Euro 2024 qualifier, following the tragic incident in Brussels where two Swedish football fans were killed by a gunman.
The police have implemented a strong policing strategy for tonight’s England vs Italy Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley, following the tragic incident in Brussels where two Swedish football fans were fatally shot by an unknown assailant.
Football supporters have received reassurance that there will be a noticeable and prominent security presence at the stadium during the match, which starts at 7.45, in response to the unfortunate incidents that occurred on the continent on Monday night.
The Sweden-Belgium qualifier was called off in after two Swedish fans were shot dead by suspect Abdesalem Lassoued, 45, who rode around Brussels on a motorised scooter while openly carrying an assault rifle before being corned
The Metropolitan Police has released a statement regarding tonight’s game, scheduled to start at 7:45. The statement assures attendees that there will be a significant police presence in light of the recent events in Brussels.
The presence of officers is to guarantee the safety of the event and offer comfort to the attendees.
Last week, officers from the Metropolitan Police were present at the England v Australia international friendly at Wembley. The Met advises fans to anticipate a strong presence tonight.
Last night, a video captured Abdesalem Lassoued driving through the streets of Brussels while wearing a bright orange jacket and holding a firearm.
Several Sweden supporters at King Baudouin Stadium were in tears and sought comfort from one another, while some looked at their smartphones to stay updated.
Fans from Belgium were observed embracing each other within the King Baudouin stadium upon receiving information about the unfolding tragedy occurring outside. Following the halftime break, both teams mutually agreed to cancel the match upon being informed of the news.
Superintendent Gerry Parker, match commander for tonight’s game, said: ‘We have been working with our partners, including the FA, in the weeks leading up to this match to ensure those attending the Wembley area enjoy this match.
Our officers have extensive experience in managing public order events on a large scale, and we have a flexible plan in place to minimize the occurrence of crime and disorder. Additionally, we are prepared to promptly respond to any unforeseen incidents.
Please make sure to arrive early for the match and stay alert at all times. If you notice anything suspicious, please notify a police officer or one of the match stewards immediately so appropriate measures can be taken.
On Monday, the King Balduino stadium in Brussels was placed under lockdown due to reports of Lassoued, an alleged supporter of ISIS, riding a moped equipped with a rifle throughout the city.
Last night, a 45-year-old individual shot at a taxi carrying Swedish football fans as they were traveling through Boulevard d’Ypres, which is located a short distance north of the well-known Grand Plaza in the city. This incident occurred before Belgium’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden.
After hearing the gunshots, a number of individuals sought refuge in an apartment building. However, Lassoued pursued them and proceeded to shoot once more in the entrance hall. He claimed that this act of aggression was in retaliation for the murder of a six-year-old boy who was of both American and Palestinian descent.
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In the video, Lassoued expressed his joy in Arabic and mentioned being influenced by the terrorist organization known as the Islamic State. prosecutors said.
Heartbreaking images showed Belgian and Swedish footballers hugging as they remained inside the stadium until sometime after midnight on Tuesday morning, when they were finally given the go-ahead to leave.
On Monday night, the police cordoned off the vicinity of the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels in preparation for the evacuation of fans.
On Tuesday, forensic police officers assemble on the street in Brussels’ Schaerbeek neighborhood, where the suspected gunman Abdesalem Lassoued was fatally shot.
On Monday night, a tribute of flowers was placed at the location where one of Lassoued’s attacks occurred in Brussels.
UEFA released a statement during the unsettling events, announcing that the game was postponed during halftime. For their own safety, Sweden supporters were instructed to remain within the stadium.
During the break, players from both teams received the news and agreed that the game should be halted. At the moment of the decision, the score was 1-1.
Following the match, Janne Andersson, the coach of Sweden, verified that they were informed about the incident during the halftime break.
He stated that all the players were feeling extremely sorrowful, leading to a unanimous decision to discontinue the match.
Victor Lindelof, the defender from Manchester United and Sweden, stated that we had a discussion about the rest of the game with both our team and the Belgians.
The decision was made to cease playing. The primary concern is the safety of the fans at this point.
At 8am on Tuesday, armed police surrounded Lassoued, who was identified as an ISIS supporter, within a café located in the Schaerbeek neighborhood. They proceeded to shoot him in the chest.
Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden subsequently verified that Lassoued was fatally shot by the police during his apprehension earlier today.
Verlinden stated that the individual responsible for the terrorist attack in Brussels has been identified and has passed away.
Prime Minister Alexander de Croo earlier said the suspect was of Tunisian origin who had been living in the country illegally before launching what he called a brutal terrorist attack.
During a news conference on Tuesday, de Croo expressed that the recent terrorist attack displayed complete cowardice, as the attacker deliberately targeted two Swedish football fans.
Terrorism does not discriminate when it strikes. Its objective is to instill fear, distrust, and division within our democratic societies. It is important for terrorists to understand that their goals will never be accomplished.
Their attempts to force us to submit will always be in vain. The display of their animosity and aggression only serves as evidence of their lack of control.
