Belgium-Spain football friendly cancelled after Paris attacks

BRUSSELS, Belgium – The football friendly between Belgium and Spain scheduled for Tuesday, November 17 in Brussels has been cancelled on the recommendation of the national crisis center following the Islamist attacks in Paris, official sources said.

The center, under the interior ministry, recommended the cancellation of the match after the terrorist threat level was Monday raised to 3, or severe, for the whole country, representing a possible and credible threat, according to a statement. (RELATED: Paris’ 4 hours of terror)

“This threat particularly concerns heavily populated places,” it said.

“A visible and reinforced police presence was requested for all major events with increased awareness at each. All citizens are also requested to be vigilant,” the crisis center added.

(READ: Shock, horror for 80,000 fans at Stade de France after Paris attacks)

“Decisions are taken by the crisis center, which includes all the security services,” a Belgian government source told AFP, confirming that the match was cancelled.

The Belgian Football Association (URBSFA) also confirmed the cancellation.

(RELATED: Hollande sets out revenge after Paris attacks)

“At the end of the evening, the Belgian FA has been contacted by the government, which has made the recommendation not to have the Belgium-Spain match on Tuesday evening,” the Belgian association said, as quoted by the Belga news agency.

“In consultation with the competent authorities and the Spanish national team, the Belgian FA has decided to cancel the meeting,” it added.

(READ: German football team spent night in Paris stadium after attacks)

“We deeply regret that a friendly match between two motivated teams is cancelled so late and we understand the disappointment of many supporters. 

“In view of these exceptional circumstances, we cannot however take any risk in security matters for our players and supporters,” it said.

Nearly 50,000 people were expected for the Tuesday evening clash between Belgium, number one in the FIFA rankings, and European champions Spain. (RELATED: VLOG: Paris slowly getting back to normal after attacks)

After Friday’s attacks in Paris, OCAM had already recommended greater police vigilance for major public events. – Rappler.com

More on the Paris attacks:

• Over 128 killed, 180 injured in Paris attacks
• IN PHOTOS: November 13 Paris attacks
• ISIS claims Paris attacks
• US band caught up in Paris attacks reported safe
• Witnesses tell of ‘bloodbath’ at Paris rock concert
• Shock, horror for 80,000 fans at Stade de France after Paris attacks
• French search for friends, shelter online after Paris attacks

Global, social media reactions:

• World leaders condemn Paris attacks, vow to help
• Pope Francis on Paris attacks: ‘This is not human’
• Aquino: ‘Philippines stands shoulder to shoulder with France’
• ‘This time it’s war:’ French press react with horror to attacks
• World mourns and condemns attacks in Paris
• #PrayForParis, #Fusillade trends on Twitter amid Paris attacks
• Celebrities call for support, prayers for Paris