Belgium, Spain friendly called off due to threats of terrorist attack

Tuesday’s friendly between Belgium and Spain in Brussels, has been cancelled because of security concerns.

The Belgian football federation, made the announcement late on Monday, after the government advised they should not go on with the match.

A raid was carried out in the Brussels neighbourhood of Molenbeek, as police searched for a 27-year-old Belgium, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the Paris attacks last Friday.

The Belgian FA has since released a statement, indicating the decision was made in conjunction with its Spanish counterparts, and that it “deeply regretted” cancelling the match.

It reads: “In consultation with the competent authorities and the Spanish national team, the Belgian FA has decided to cancel the match.

“At the very end of the evening the Belgian FA was contacted by the government, who made the recommendation not to play tomorrow’s match.

“It is in the context of a new elevated terrorist alert and the current pursuit of a suspect.”