stadiums remain empty and canteens close

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Monday, September 28, 2020 at 19:18

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The cabinet has announced new measures to prevent the spread of the corona virus. Prime Minister Mark Rutte confirmed at the press conference on Monday evening that the public is no longer welcome at sporting events. For the Eredivsie and Kitchen Champion Division this means that the stadiums must remain empty for the time being; supporters are not welcome. The new measures will take effect on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. and will apply for at least three weeks.

The corona virus is on the rise, according to the latest figures from the RIVM. The number of infections is increasing and hospitals are becoming more and more crowded. There are currently 660 corona patients in Dutch hospitals, 142 of which are in intensive care. The number of infections increased by 2,914 in the past 24 hours. On Monday afternoon, various media reported that ‘drastic measures’ would be announced, which also apply to professional football.

At major sporting events, which include the matches in the Eredivisie and Kitchen Champion Division, spectators are no longer welcome. “From 6 pm tomorrow evening, stricter measures will apply nationally, which we thought would only be necessary during the weekend for the weekend. That has been a matter of progressive insight,” said Rutte on Monday evening, who sees the number of infections rising sharply. “Hard action is needed.”

“The extra measures are badly needed to reduce the virus”, said Rutte, who reported that no supporters are allowed to stand by at amateur matches. That is why from now on all sporting events will be completed without an audience, both at amateur level and in the professional branch. Sports is possible, but without encouragement from the side. All sports canteens will also be closed. ”

At the start of the new season, small numbers of supporters were welcome in the stadiums. This did not always go well in the first three rounds of play. During the match between Feyenoord and FC Twente, among other things, it was visible that the corona rules were not properly observed. This led to an angry reaction from Rutte in front of the camera RTL News. “It is very stupid, because that way we cannot get the virus under control,” said Rutte, who was asked whether it can be arranged at all in stadiums to silence supporters. “Yeah, just shut up when you’re there. Just watch the game and don’t shout. ”

Last Thursday it went wrong again around a football match. In the Europa League game between Willem II and Rangers FC, the municipality of Tilburg gave permission to eight hundred fans to watch the game together on a square. The supporters were too close to each other and did not adhere to other rules, such as not being allowed to shout or sing. Last weekend, the fans in the Eredivisie and Kitchen Champion Division generally adhered to the rules, but it has now been decided that the stadiums should remain empty for the time being.