Nilsson Lindelöf on the anniversary: Support means everything

This evening, the two Swedish football supporters who were shot to death in the terrorist attack in Brussels a year ago will be honored. Team captain Victor Nilsson Lindelöf remembers the event as shocking, when the players received the information at halftime.

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Nilsson Lindelöf on the anniversary: Support means everything
Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/TT

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So, of course, you got really scared. Then you tried to calm down and talk to the guys and the Belgian team so that the match wouldn't be played to the end, he says to Radiosporten.

In connection with the increased security level in Sweden, among other things after a number of Quran burnings, Swedes abroad were urged to exercise increased caution. The terrorist attack was directed against people wearing the Swedish national team jersey.

It should be a matter of course that you should be able to wear a jersey from the country you come from, says Nilsson Lindelöf.

That they continue to travel and support us means everything, I hope they understand that we are grateful for all the support we get.

Players honor the victims

This evening, a memorial ceremony will be held at Strawberry Arena in Solna. In some way, the players will honor the murdered supporters Patrick Lundström and Kent Persson.

We've discussed a bit about what we players can do. Of course, we'll do something, said Nilsson Lindelöf at a press conference recently.

Ludwig Augustinsson was one of the players who participated in the European Championship qualifier on October 16 last year.

Time has passed so fast. It's clear, when you look back, it was a tough and horrible experience. It was, of course, toughest for those affected and their relatives. That's why it feels really nice that we're going to honor them.

"Didn't feel safe"

Augustinsson plays for Anderlecht and lives in Brussels. He tells that his daily life was marked by increased vigilance after the terrorist attack.

In the beginning, I was affected. As a Swede, it didn't feel safe. Then you go back to normal. I haven't noticed any difference. It's felt good, but as I said, the first time you looked over your shoulder a bit extra.

The supporter group Camp Sweden is participating in this evening's memorial ceremony. On the Swedish Football Association's website, spokesperson Glenn Gustafsson says:

"What happened in Brussels on October 16, 2023, we will never forget. The violent and meaningless violence took the lives of two of our supporter friends. The self-evident right to wear our Swedish national team jersey was the last thing Kent and Patrick did. In memory of them, I, and many with me, want to continue to wear the blue and yellow colors with pride and together spread joy, love, and hope."

Times for the memorial ceremony this evening:

18.00: The doors open to Strawberry Arena entrance A.

18.10: The Swedish Football Association's chairman Fredrik Reinfeldt gives a speech.

18.20: Opportunity to leave flowers and a greeting.

19.00: The memorial ceremony ends.

Source: svenskfotboll.se

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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