Union Berlin host 4,500 fans amid pandemic

In the biggest attendance so far for a football team in Germany during the coronavirus pandemic, Union Berlin welcomed 4,500 fans for their 2-1 win over Nuremberg on Saturday.

The top-tier Bundesliga was suspended in March. No supporters had been allowed when the league resumed and completed its season after a two-month break.

Union fans were grateful to attend the preseason friendly match against seconddivision Nuremberg – a game that also marked the 100-year anniversary of Union’s stadium.

“It’s really fantastic, I missed it,” Cornelia Packhäuser told The Associated Press before attending her first game in six months. “It’s great that fans are allowed in, even with the (hygiene) measures. My family is totally split up. One is in sector one, one is in sector two, one is in sector three, but we can be there, and to be there is everything.”

STRICT CONDITIONS

Fans were only permitted to attend the game under strict conditions.

Tickets were for club members only, personalised and non-transferable to ensure contact-tracing is possible. The supporters had to show ID and their club membership card before entering, and they had to wear masks when not in their allocated place.

Seats were clearly marked to show which could be used, and standing fans had to keep their distance from each other on the terraces. Stewards asked supporters who were too close to each other to move. Journalists had their temperatures taken and were seated apart, while photographers were allocated places where they had to stay.

“It’s sad that it’s so empty, but it’s wonderful to be here again,” Union fan Mark Schôffler said. The stadium has a capacity of over 22,000.

Nuremberg were German champions when they played Union for the first match at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei in 1920.

Two second-half goals from Danish forward Marcus Ingvartsen, including a penalty, were enough for Union. Fans sang long and loud, as if to make up for those who were absent.

“I didn’t see much of the game as I was looking at the people,” Union president Dirk Zingler said. “When I see those happy eyes … They sung their hearts out because they were finally here.”

Union survived their first season in the Bundesliga but sorely missed their passionate fans’ support when they were forced to play their last games in empty stadiums.