As of: 27.06.2021 7:54 p.m.
Despite the increasing number of infections due to the Delta variant, London is planning the European Championship finals with tens of thousands of spectators. National player Robin Gosens thinks that is “borderline”. The criticism from politicians is much sharper.
The half-full Wembley Stadium in the European Championship round of 16 and the announced further increase in spectators for the semi-finals and the final are also viewed with skepticism among the German national team. “I think it’s borderline,” said Robin Gosens at the training camp in Herzogenaurach.
While 21,500 visitors were admitted to the first round of 16 in London between Italy and Austria on Saturday, 45,000 fans are allowed into the 90,000-seat arena for the classic England versus Germany on Tuesday. From the semi-finals onwards, the European football association UEFA has set the capacity at 60,000 fans.
Havertz on Corona: “I do not wish anyone”
He’s not worried, said Gosens: “But that’s a topic that you are at least dealing with.” After all, you are playing in the country where the incidence values are high again. “We know that we live in the bubble and are largely isolated. We already feel safe,” said the professional footballer from Atalanta Bergamo. But when you see the overall picture, “it is certainly anything but optimal”.
Kai Havertz from Chelsea FC remembered his corona infection in November of the previous year. “It took some time, it was a bit tougher for me,” said the Champions League winner. “I don’t wish anyone.” The after-effects were severe, and only after four or five weeks could he be back on the training ground with 100 percent.
Only 2000 German fans admitted
In Great Britain, the number of coronavirus cases due to the Delta variant has recently risen to its highest level since the beginning of February. Authorities reported 18,270 new cases on Saturday. This means that the number of new infections has roughly doubled compared to the previous week. Meanwhile, the vaccination campaign is proceeding rapidly. A good 60 percent of adults in Great Britain are already fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. More than 80 percent received their first dose.
At Wembley, only 1,500 to 2,000 fans of the DFB selection will be among the 45,000, tickets will only be given to visitors who live in Great Britain or Ireland. When asked whether the game with so many viewers was justifiable, the Bundestag Vice-President Claudia Roth from the Greens replied: “No. Very, very clearly no. I am really a huge football fan. But you can, under these conditions, in these tense conditions Situation not to carry out a European championship as it is carried out. ”
Final in Munich instead of London?
CSU general secretary Markus Blume called on UEFA to “re-examine carefully” its stadium concept. Nobody was helped “to become European champion in the incidence soaring”, said the CSU politician. In Munich, twelve positive rapid tests had been reported in the previous three European Championship games. The quarter-finals will take place next Friday.
UEFA must be a role model for major events, said Blume. “This also includes enforcing the mask requirement in stadiums.” The 46-year-old reiterated the offer that Munich would be available as a replacement if the final round in London should not be possible due to the increasing numbers. “We are ready for anything in Munich.” Relocation is currently unlikely due to the expected concessions from the London government.
Delta variant also in St. Petersburg
The situation in Great Britain is not the only cause for concern. The Russian EM host city of St. Petersburg is also increasingly in the grip of the Delta variant. More than 1,300 new corona infections within 24 hours were reported from the city, where a quarter-finals are also to take place next Friday. Yesterday, the metropolis registered a new high with 107 deaths.
So far there have been hardly any corona-related restrictions in St. Petersburg. Thousands visited the fan zones. Many did not wear masks or did not keep the minimum distance. More than 100 Finnish fans who attended their team’s game against Russia on site were verifiably infected with Corona.