The Coronavirus pandemic outbreak caused unprecedented outcomes in the world as well as in the world of football with one of them being matches behind closed doors. With the footballing world returning to new normal, spectators are now allowed in the matches with strict regulations. Here we look at the state of the spectators of the top leagues in Europe.
Premier League
The English top-flight had planned for a regulated return of football fans to the stadium from the first of October, but the plans have been halted by the Government due to rise in Coronavirus cases.
La Liga
La Liga stadiums are likely to be empty for the rest of the season at the behest of the Ministry of Health and Science. There were initial plans for the Spanish league to bring one-third of fans to the stadium with a view to increasing it by 100% from next year, but all have scuppered due to the increase in COVID cases.
Serie A
The Italian top-flight have decided to allow a minimum capacity of 1000 fans after reaching an agreement with the Government. The matches between Parma, Milan and Juventus were played with the audience.
Bundesliga
Bundesliga are the latest league to achieve success in bringing fans to the stadiums following Ligue 1 and Serie A. The German top-flights allowed a set of fans – only home fans – for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic. The game between capital club Union Berlin and Augsburg witnessed a fantastic atmosphere despite the home side (Berlin) losing the match. The game between Bayern Munich and Schalke was played with no turnout due to an increase in Coronavirus cases locally.
Ligue 1
The French top-flight became the first league in Europe in bringing the audience to stadiums. Being the first league to do so since the restart, Ligue 1 have since allowed a section of fans ( 5000), to the stadiums, with strict protocols.
Although the fans in Italy, Germany and France are ecstatic, the fans of La Liga and Premier League have to wait for a while.
