This is the horrifying moment that a cowardly suicide bomber detonated a suicide belt as players and fans gathered for a post-match trophy presentation.
The blast killed at least 29 people and wounded more than 50, but the death toll is expected to rise. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Mirror reports.
The bombing took place following a match in the Iraqi town of Iskandariyah, around 25 miles south of the capital Baghdad and the footage appears to show fans clapping as the unsuspecting players prepare to receive a prize before the bomb detonates.
A police source told news agency AFP: “They were just handing the trophy to the winners, the suicide attacker blew himself up in the crowd.”
Footage shows aftermath of Isil suicide blast at Iraq football match… https://t.co/Jv6dxPC3ms pic.twitter.com/CCXIIIAPp0
— breaking news (@gnews77) March 26, 2016
The blast took place at around 7pm local (4pm UK time) and the town’s mayor was among those who were killed in the bombing.
Islamic State has been carrying out a number of suicide bombings in and around the capital as the group battles for control of the region.
Death toll in #Iraq football pitch bombing rises to 32 https://t.co/LUnJO9oAsv pic.twitter.com/PnHa3qADSo
— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) March 26, 2016
The bombing came as Iraqi military spokesman Yahya Rusoul announced that both Iraqi troops and Sunni tribal fighters had managed to recapture the western town of Kubeisa from the terror group.
At least 32 dead after #suicide bomb attack at #Iraq football pitch https://t.co/WxvtXpFPIh – #iraqbomb #IraqAttack pic.twitter.com/ecm9qYdIfM
— Luxembourg Times (@LuxTimes) March 26, 2016
Meanwhile security forces are also hunting an ISIS terrorist who’s wanted in connection with the Brussels massacre and is suspected of carrying out reconnaissance on an unnamed British football stadium.
Mohamed Abrini, 30, reportedly had images on his phone of the ground when he was quizzed by Belgian police upon his return to Brussels from Birmingham last summer.
More of a concept than a journalist, Tom Percival was forged in the bowels of Salford University from which he emerged grasping a Masters in journalism.
Since then his rise has been described by himself as ‘meteoric’ rising to the esteemed rank of Social Editor at UNILAD as well as working at the BBC, Manchester Evening News, and ITV.
He credits his success to three core techniques, name repetition, personality mirroring, and never breaking off a handshake.