BAGHDAD: At least 41 people were killed and 60 injured after a suicide bomber attached a football stadium in Iraq.

The assault will add to concerns about security at Euro 2016 in France in apparently ending a common complacent belief that sport would not be a target for terrorists.

A stadium in the small town of Hilla near the city of Iskanderiyah, 30 miles south of Baghdad, was the target.

AFP reported a police captain as saying the attack occurred during a trophy presentation. Victims were taken to hospital in Iskandariyah.

No group immediately claimed responsibility.

The bombing came as Iraqi troops claimed to have regained the western town of Kubeisa from the Islamic State jihadists.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino sent a message of condolence, saying: “I am shocked and terribly saddened to have learnt about the awful tragedy which occurred yesterday at a football game in Iskanderiyah, Iraq.

“round the world, football unites people. It is a very sad day, when people, going to a match together, become the victims of such violence. On behalf of FIFA and the global football community, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy and all our football friends in Iraq.”

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