October 29 – German fans have had their gradual but brief return to watching matches in stadia ended following a new ban on attending Bundesliga matches ordered by the German government who are imposing a lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
On Wednesday, Angela Merkel and state leaders imposed new nationwide restrictions. “We must act, and now, to avoid an acute national health emergency,” said Merkel.
In reality, most Bundesliga clubs have been playing in front of empty stands or a very limited number of spectators in recent weeks because of health restrictions imposed on a regional basis.
The DFL expressed their regret over the decision, pointing at the strict health protocols the league has introduced. “The Bundesliga and second Bundesliga clubs developed in the past weeks a health plan for the effective protection of spectators in the stadiums and agreed it with local health authorities,” said the DFL in a statement.
“Fans and clubs then stuck to the rules with discipline living up to their responsibilities. That is why it is regrettable that this will not be possible for now.”
In May, Germany was the first major league to resume after a two-month shutdown because of the coronavirus pandemic. The country was widely praised for containing the coronavirus and limiting the number of infections and deaths, and last month fans were allowed back in stadiums.
However, as Europe faces as a second wave, coronavirus cases have risen in Germany as well, with nearly 15,000 infections on Wednesday.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1713564736labto1713564736ofdlr1713564736owedi1713564736sni@o1713564736fni1713564736