After months of adapting with the new normal, football fans could not be more thrilled to finally get the chance to watch their favourite team in attendance at stadiums: and it was evident by the atmosphere at the DFB Pokal game between Hansa Rostock and VfB Stuttgart.
The pre-match footage which was posted online, captured from the first round fixture of the German domestic cup showed the return of fans in football stadiums for the first time in six months.
The total attendance for the fixture at the Ostseestadion in east Germany was 7,500, following new public gathering rules due to the COVID-19.
Crowd capacity will be limited for the time being and social distancing norms will be followed, as regional differences in infection by the virus suggest that while some matches in areas of relatively low infection, such as the aforementioned east side of the country, can be held in the presence of a crowd: while the others will still be played behind closed doors in an empty stadium.
An odd number of 31 matches were played under the last weekend, as the German FA permitted each club to admit a set number of the home support provided they get permission from the local health authority, as away fans are prohibited for the time being.
The return of crowds in football stadiums was something that the entire footballing community was waiting for, as the sport is exemplified and sweetened by the thousands of fans who watch their favourite club kick a ball week in week out, home or away.
Bringing the fans back to the ground has also been a highly appreciated move as it might prove to the first step to restore general circumstances: a future we are all looking forward to.
Check out the glorious footage of fans singing in unison from Germany below –
