Community authorities in Brussels announced this Wednesday that they consider it “impossible” to organize a football match between the teams of Belgium and Israel in September, as they classify this game as “high risk”.
“Due to the dramatic situation in the Middle East, the college of mayors and councilors of the city of Brussels considers it impossible to organize this high-risk match on its territory,” said those responsible, in a statement.
Officials added that Belgium and Israel were due to face each other on September 6th, in a UEFA Nations League match, originally scheduled at the King Baudouin stadium, formerly known as the Heysel stadium.
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The game “will undoubtedly provoke significant demonstrations and counter-demonstrations, thus compromising the safety of spectators, players, Brussels residents, as well as our police forces”, highlighted the note.
According to authorities, the Belgian team’s games at King Baudouin have been “traditionally moments of unity and encounter”.
“The humanitarian and security situation in Gaza and its multiple repercussions oblige the city of Brussels to inform URBSFA (Belgian Football Federation) that the organization of this game is not possible in this stadium.”
Heysel Stadium became famous in 1985 after a riot caused by a fight between Juventus and Liverpool fans, which resulted in the death of 39 fans and more than 600 injuries. The arena was remodeled in 1995 and renamed Rei BalduĂno.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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