Enhanced security measures in place for Scotland fans ahead of France match following Belgium vs. Sweden incident

Following the alleged terror attack in Brussels on Monday night that resulted in the shooting deaths of two Sweden supporters, Scotland will be under increased protection for their match against France on the Belgian border.

Chirag

October 17, 2023

France’s Minister of the Interior, Gerald Darmanin, has announced a significant boost in security measures for their upcoming friendly match against Scotland, scheduled for Tuesday at the Decathlon Arena in Lille, which is located near the Belgian border.

In a preceding incident, two Swedish fans tragically lost their lives in a suspected terror attack prior to Belgium’s encounter with Sweden on Monday. Subsequently, a suspect was fatally shot by Belgian law enforcement on Tuesday.

Speaking before the apprehension of the suspect, Minister Darmanin conveyed to a French radio station, RTL, “We don’t have information according to which he [the attacker] could be heading to France.” He continued, “Following the attack in Brussels, I immediately requested a reinforcement of troops at the border. Furthermore, we will double the number of police and gendarmerie mobilised for the match this evening in Lille.”

Lille is geographically proximate to the Belgian border, and it is merely a brief 40-minute train ride from the Belgian capital, with the two cities separated by a little over 100 kilometers.

Scotland secured their place in Euro 2024 without playing a match over the weekend, as Norway failed to defeat Spain. Reflecting on this achievement, Steve Clarke stated, “The players made sure I didn’t break a promise. After the draw I had to have a board meeting.

“I told them that this group would qualify directly for Euro 2024. No playoffs, I said they would go straight there. So I made it. I had confidence, belief. I know what we’ve got. I know we’ve got a good team.”

“The draw had been made and I was 100% confident. I think we’ve qualified like a good team. So let’s embrace that.”