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In the first and second division of football, only the home fans will be welcome in the stadiums. Minister of Sport Ben Weyts (N-VA) has agreed with the professional clubs.
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The Security Council decided that from 1 September open-air events may again be attended by up to 400 people. An exception clause is provided for, among others, the football clubs: they may receive more than 400 people, but they must demonstrate that this is possible in the safest circumstances. The mayor, the competent minister and a team of virologists have the final say on this.
The Pro League, the association of Belgian professional clubs, sat down with the Flemish sports minister Ben Weyts, which has now resulted in a detailed protocol, which means that the clubs in the first and second division will soon again be able to make several hundred – and perhaps even a few thousand in very large stadiums. – welcome supporters. Although the rules that clubs and supporters must adhere to are very strict. For example, Weyts, the Pro League and the police services do not consider it realistic in the first phase to receive both home and visiting supporters. For the first weeks and maybe even months, only home supporters are welcome.
No crowds
They prepare themselves thoroughly for a much longer afternoon or evening than usual. For example, the supporters will be split up into different groups, each of which must gather at a separate time at the stadium. In this way a large crowd is avoided shortly before the match. The same applies after the final whistle: spectators will again be escorted to the exit group by group at intervals of about 15 to 20 minutes. The group that had to be present earliest at the start of the match will be the first to be allowed to leave the stadium.
Met mondmasker
Still mandatory: wearing a mouth mask during the entire match and the agreement that you immediately go to your designated seat and stay there the entire time. Clubs must also organize their ticket system so that there is always a meter and a half distance between the supporters themselves. Only people who belong to the same bubble in daily life – for example, a father with his sons – are allowed to sit next to each other. Supporters are only allowed to leave their seats for a sanitary stop. Only one person is allowed to get food or drink per group or bubble.
Search and disinfect
Despite the corona threat, spectators will still be superficially scanned by stewards as they enter. They will be assisted by a second person, who will disinfect the steward’s hands each time and, after twenty searches, will also hand him new gloves.
Minister Weyts realizes that a lot is being asked of clubs and fans. “It won’t be like it was before corona. Too many security measures and restrictions apply for that. But with this framework, major sporting events can slowly pick up the thread again. ” (who)
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