Ref’s heart beat lower without fans

A leading German referee has said his heart rate has dropped considerably during matches behind closed doors because some of the ‘‘passion’’ is missing without supporters.

Deniz Aytekin took charge of last week’s derby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 and said that, without fans in the stadium, there was a reduced intensity for him as a referee.

‘‘In the derby a week ago, I had pulse rates that were extremely low compared to games with spectators,’’ Aytekin told German broadcaster

‘‘Suddenly these emotions are missing, which is just as elementary for us because ultimately we too live this passion.’’

Aytekin said he believed the league would become increasingly competitive as the players and referees grew used to the ‘‘ghost games’’, but his comments have shone more light on the consequences of playing matches without any supporters.

He added that there were situations on the pitch that ‘‘would have been more hectic’’ if fans had been in the stadium as usual, although he did not believe ‘‘the Revierderby’’, which Dortmund won 4-0, was any less intense for the players.