Confirmed: Ghost games in Stuttgart and Sinsheim
With detailed statements on their respective websites, both TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart confirmed that they would not allow spectators in this weekend.
In announcing their coordination with new state-level directives club bosses Frank Biel and Thomas Hitzlsperger both cited "studies" in favor of their case of fan return.
In announcing their coordination with new state-level directives club bosses Frank Biel and Thomas Hitzlsperger both cited "studies" in favor of their case of fan return.
| Photo: Hoffenheim |
Keine Zuschauer bei #TSG-Heimspielen ℹ️#TSG-Geschäftsführer Frank Briel 🗣️
— TSG Hoffenheim (@tsghoffenheim) December 3, 2021
"Wie auch in der Vergangenheit, werden wir gemeinsam diese neue Situation annehmen und unseren Teil zur Eindämmung des Infektionsrisikos leisten."
Mehr dazu und alle Infos für Ticket-Inhaber ⤵️
"It should be emphasized that many experts see little to no risk of being infected in an outdoor environment with our hygiene guidelines," TSG managing director Frank Biel wrote on the club's official website, "The studies on the Bundesliga that have been thus far conducted in this regard confirm as much."
In announcing that no supporters would be allowed in for Sunday's home match against Hertha, VfB Stuttgart promised it's fans that it was actively working on plans to once again welcome guests "after the turn of the calendar year". Manager Thomas Hitzlsperger also referenced studies.
"We will fight to get fans back into the stadiums with our proven '2G' infection control concepts," the former national team midfielder wrote before adding "The country's vaccination rate will be the decisive factor in the coming months. That's the unequivocal message from all the experts and we concur. That's why it's more important than ever to get vaccinated."
Nach der neuen Corona-Verordnung des Landes Baden-Württemberg wird der #VfB seine beiden Heimspiele im Dezember wie befürchtet nur ohne bzw. vor maximal 750 Zuschauern austragen dürfen.#VfB | #VfBBSC | 🗞️⬇️ https://t.co/lz1IleBJqI
— VfB Stuttgart (@VfB) December 3, 2021
When addressing this topic, it's very important to note that the evidence on whether large-scale crowds in football stadiums actually increase local COVID infection rates isn't a settled topic at all.
An article appearing earlier in this week in Germany's main sporting tabloid Sport Bild earlier this week claimed that a "study" disproved that football matches were large-scale spreader events, but cited no sources.
Multiple studies conducted during this summer's European Championships did suggest that the venues allowing in more fans experienced higher local infection rates.
