The municipality of Brussels announced this Wednesday the refusal to host the football match between Belgium and Israel in the League of Nations on September 6, taking into account the “high risk” for the safety of its residents.
“In this particularly turbulent period, given the dramatic situation in the Middle East, a high-risk game of this type will undoubtedly provoke important demonstrations and counter-demonstrations, thereby jeopardizing the safety of spectators, players, the residents of Brussels and also our police force,” – the manager explained.
Belgium is in Group A2 of the Nations League along with Italy, France and Israel, and the Rey Balduino Stadium has usually been the venue for the Red Devils’ home games.
Bruges, Liege, Genk or Antwerp are natural options for the Belgian Football Federation to consider as alternatives, as the city of Leuven has already stated in advance that it will not be available.
The executive director recalls that Belgium’s problems “have always been moments of unity and cohesion”, but the “humanitarian and security situation in Gaza and its countless consequences” forced it to abandon the mission to host the meeting.
Municipal officials believe social tensions surrounding Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has already killed at least 37,000 people, mostly children and women, are in response to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people. and about 300 people. were stolen, does not allow game to be stored in safe conditions.
On 16 October 2023, an attack occurred in Brussels, coinciding with the Belgium-Sweden football match, which left two Swedish fans dead after being wounded in the city center in an attack claimed by the Islamic State terrorist group.
Latest figures show that the capital is home to about 160,000 Muslims, about 17% of its population and 39% of the country’s Islamic community.
“We cannot risk jeopardizing the safety of our fellow citizens. A Red Devils football match is a moment of togetherness, family and celebration. Given the current situation, this is not possible. There is a risk of loss of control both at the stadium and in the surrounding area and in the city center,” said sports adviser Benoit Hellings.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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