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Wales boss Chris Coleman says Euro 2016 must go on despite attacks

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Chris Coleman says football cannot let terrorists win ahead of Euro 2016

Chris Coleman says football cannot let terrorism win and that Euro 2016 must go on as normal despite the attacks in Brussels on Tuesday morning.

Three co-ordinated bombs went off at the city's main airport and at a metro station near the European Parliament, killing at least 34 people.

The incidents came just over four months after 130 people were killed in atrocities in Paris, where 12 matches, including the final, will take place at this summer's tournament.

UEFA has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a safe competition and Coleman is adamant the schedule should not be affected.

He will manage Wales as they appear at a major finals event for the first time in 58 years and they will be based in the Brittany town of Dinard.

BELGIUM-UNREST-BLAST
Image: A bomb went off at a Brussels metro station after two were detonated at the city's main airport on Tuesday morning

Coleman has expressed his sympathies for those affected in Belgium, who the Welsh played against in the qualifying campaign.

He told Sky Sports News HQ: "It's devastating news that such a tragic event has occurred again. Our thoughts are obviously with everybody involved. It's really, really sad.

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Wales and Belgium played each other during the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign
Image: Wales and Belgium played each other in the qualifying campaign

"In terms of the tournament, it's obviously going to be in France and with what happened in Paris not so long ago - another tragic event - I just think you can't give in to these people.

"If you let them dictate what we can and can't do they win unfortunately and we can't do that. You trust that every safety precaution will be taken at the tournament.

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"It's an event that everybody looks forward to and it's there for the people - for the public - and it should be enjoyed.

"We can't let a mindless minority dictate what we do and don't do. All our thoughts as a nation in Wales are with everybody that's involved there."

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