BERLIN: In the biggest attendance so far for a soccer team in Germany during the coronavirus pandemic, Union Berlin welcomed 4,500 fans for its 2-1 win over Nuremberg.
The top-tier Bundesliga was suspended in March. No supporters had been allowed when the league resumed and completed its season after a two-month break. Union fans on Saturday were grateful to attend the preseason friendly match against second-division Nuremberg — a game that also marked the 100-year anniversary of Union’s stadium. “It’s really fantastic, I missed it,” Cornelia Packhäuser told The Associated Press before attending her first game in six months. “It’s great that fans are allowed in, even with the (hygiene) measures. My family is totally split up. One is in sector one, one is in sector two, one is in sector three, but we can be there, and to be there is everything.” Fans were only permitted to attend the game under strict conditions.
Tickets were for club members only, personalised and non-transferable to ensure contact-tracing is possible.
The supporters had to show ID and their club membership card before entering, and they had to wear masks when not in their allocated place.
Seats were clearly marked to show which could be used, and standing fans had to keep their distance from each other on the terraces.
Stewards asked supporters who were too close to each other to move. (AP)
