It’s irresponsible. The resumption of the Bundesliga matches is a big question

A senior representative of the German police jörg Radek expressed doubts about the reality of the plans of the German football League (DFL) to resume the matches of the Bundesliga in may:

“First of all, I want to say that the police Union is not fundamentally against football games. I can also understand that many people would like to stop to watch old matches in the Bundesliga. But we must not forget what a special situation we are all, including the police. Even games without spectators pose a danger, even if the organizer is doing everything possible at the stadium to provide good hygiene to minimize the risk of infection. For the DFL it was right to develop a recovery plan, but he seems to not take into account all aspects.

For example, it is possible to monitor what is happening at the stadium. But this is not true for the public space in front of him. Stadiums become a potential target for fans who want to support their team. It would be devastating. Large crowds of people outside the stadium should not occur during this pandemic. It is not only prohibited, but also irresponsible.

If that becomes an issue for the police, then we must ensure compliance with the requirements that currently apply to behaviour in public places. It requirements about the distance of half a meter, the ban on gathering large groups, mandatory wearing of masks. We will have to intervene from the point of view of maintaining security and order, if it is not guaranteed.

The matches will be an additional burden for the police. Still we did quite well in this pandemic situation, because they were exempted from such major events. Because there were no concerts or demonstrations, because sport, especially football, also ceased its activity. Ensuring League matches on weekends – this is a huge burden for us, even without a pandemic coronavirus. Pausing, we got a talent pool that could be used in other places.”