Belgium cancel Spain friendly due to security concerns

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque held an impromptu press conference from the national team’s plane following the cancellation of the friendly between the reigning European champions against the world’s top-ranked team.

He said: “We don’t know for sure the reasons why it’s been called off, but we’ve assumed.

“We were hoping to play the game, it was the last of the year, but the security reasons were strong.

“It’s not to be and the best thing is to return to Madrid as soon as possible and for the players to go back to their clubs.”

He added of their short stay in Belgium: “We weren’t scared. We were calm in the hotel, there wasn’t any problem.

“We trained with tranquillity, we’ve prepared for the game like any other, but the authorities will have felt they couldn’t guarantee the security of everybody, the players and spectators.

“Hopefully there won’t be any more suspensions. We’re here to play sport and entertain people.”

Friday’s terror attacks in Paris led to concerns about security for next summer’s Euro 2016, which are to be held in France, but Del Bosque hopes the tournament goes ahead as scheduled.

He added: “Hopefully the European Championships will be held in France and in complete normality.”