The KNVB feels compelled to respond to the commotion about partying football supporters in the stands last weekend. Several well-known Dutchmen expressed their incomprehension on social media last weekend about partying supporters in the Johan Cruijff ArenA, Saturday evening during Ajax – NEC (5-0). According to the KNVB, the commotion is not entirely justified, as all clubs and supporters adhere to the measures. The football association hopes to provide clarity about the current situation with five questions and answers.
“Yes, visiting a football stadium is responsible and safe,” the KNVB writes on its website. “Visitors only get access if they have been vaccinated, have a negative corona test and/or can demonstrate that they have recently had corona. Then they sit in the open air. It has previously been shown that ventilation is important to prevent the spread of the virus, which made it clear that there are hardly any infections outside. Currently, two thirds of the stadium capacity can be used, with visitors being evenly spread over the stadium.”
Dutch celebrities full of incomprehension about massively shared images from Johan Cruijff ArenA
Several well-known Dutch people expressed their incomprehension on social media last weekend about partying supporters in the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Until September 1, clubs are allowed to use 67 percent of the stadium capacity, as they work with a corona ticket and fixed seats. “Given all the measures in combination with the now lower number of corona infections and the high vaccination rate in society, the government no longer considers it necessary to keep a distance of 1.5 meters,” the union continues. “That is why we no longer see the empty stands with a spectator here and there, as was the case during the previous season. With a two-thirds occupancy rate in a stadium, you already go through the 1.5 meters anyway.”
The outgoing cabinet decided last week that from 20 September full stadiums for professional football matches may be allowed again. The two-thirds capacity limit at an open-air event will then be released. “That’s a good thing, because using 67 percent of the stadium does not cover the costs for the clubs and therefore unsustainable in the long term. As an entire event sector, we naturally aim for a 100 percent audience at all events. We support the call for all live events with one hundred percent audience again.”
Finally, the KNVB comes with a call for all supporters. “Keeping the number of corona infections as low as possible is of course a joint responsibility,” the union said. “At the same time, there is nothing quite as atmospheric as a full stadium with supporters cheering on their club. Stadium visitors can help all developments move in the right direction as quickly as possible by simply adhering to all hygiene measures and following the directions in and around the stadium.” So, for example, by keeping to the exact times at which people can enter and exit the stadium and by (remaining) sitting in their own seat as much as possible.”