According to reports, the Bundesliga games can be played again in mid-May, although for now, they will have to play in empty stadiums.
Playing football behind closed doors is still dangerous
The Bundesliga has been warned that playing games behind closed doors could pose a risk to public health because fans would gather in front of the stadiums. The German football officials are looking for a way to resume the 2019-20 campaign, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. According to reports, the Bundesliga games can be played again in mid-May. Although for now, they will have to play in empty stadiums. But deputy chairman of the German police union Jorg Radek said the authorities incorrectly believe that prohibiting supporters in the stands is enough to ensure public safety. It does not apply to the open space in front of him. Stadiums are becoming a potential target for fans who want to support their team,” Radek told reporters.
Football fans will gather outside the stadiums
“It would be destructive. We cannot have large crowds outside the stadium gates. It is not only forbidden but would be irresponsible”. It becomes relevant for the police at that moment. And we must guarantee that the conditions that currently apply to habits in public space were observed. The condition of an interval of one and a half meters. The prohibit the gathering of large groups, wearing masks. “We will have to intervene in terms of maintaining safety and order if this is not guaranteed”. I want to say that we, as a police union, are not fundamentally opposed to football games. “I can also understand that many must stop watching old international matches or past Bundesliga games, but we must not forget what individual situation we are all in – this also includes the police.
The plan of DFL doesn’t take into account all aspects
“Games behind closed doors pose a danger, even if the organizer does everything in the stadium to ensure that hygiene is maintained, to keep the risk of infection as low as possible”. It’s a good right for the DFL to come up with a plan to start again, but it seems like it doesn’t take into account all aspects. “Radek says that police resources will hardly cope with additional demand if the German top-flight returns to business shortly”. So far, we have managed to cope so well with our police presence in this pandemic situation because we were freed from such significant events. Because there were no concerts, there were no demonstrations – and because sports, especially football, also ceased their activities.
“Managing the league on weekends is a huge burden for us even without a corona pandemic. By pausing, we got a personal reserve that we could return to increase our presence elsewhere.”