Leeds United still in lockdown but German football considering Bundesliga resumption - ultra groups not in favour

The Deutsche Fußball Liga have already allowed players to return to training at their clubs, albeit while observing social-distancing restrictions.

Reports have suggested May 23 as a possible date for a resumption of fixtures, once a green light comes from the country’s government.

DW Sports journalist Felix Tamsut says clubs have been preparing for a return.

“The German Football League had a press conference about a week ago saying the Bundesliga 1 and 2 are ready to return once politicians approve it,” he said.

“A new date is doing the rounds, a report saying the clubs are in for May 23. The decision lies with politicians and with the government; it’ll be interesting to see how it develops.

“Bundesliga 1 and 2 squads have been training for two or three weeks now, in groups of two or three players, in small groups.”

The German health care system’s intense testing programme has helped keep the coronavirus mortality rate noticeably lower than in other European countries.

But while the DFL believe the testing required to complete the Bundesliga season would not put undue pressure on the health system, there is opposition to football’s return.

“Many people here believe it sets the wrong example,” said Tamsut.

“The DFL’s plan says every player in Germany’s top two divisions will be tested for coronavirus two or three times a week.

“The number of tests required to finish the season is estimated to be about 20,000. The health system will most likely live with it; that’s what reports here are saying.

“But at the same time people and politicians, fan groups, ultra groups say it sets the wrong example that footballers get tested three times week with no symptoms, whereas you have doctors, nursing home staff, students returning to normality who don’t get tested.”

Germany’s lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease and businesses up to 800 square metres are permitted to open.

Some schools will reopen on May 4 as some form of normality begins to take shape, albeit with masks still worn on public transport and in shops.

Football fans remain divided on whether or not the beautiful game should return to normality, behind closed doors.

Particularly when, just like in England, the normality the sport has become accustomed to has led to financial peril and clubs on the brink.

“A recent poll by one of Germany’s public broadcasters, a serious survey by a serious survey company, showed a division,” said Tamsut.

“Forty-six per cent were for resuming the Bundesliga behind closed doors and 41 per cent were against it. When it comes to ultra groups and match-going fans, we can safely say most, if not all, of them are against it.

“There have been lots of very strong statements calling for football not to set the wrong example to society and to take this time off, figure out what has been done wrong along the years, what is wrong with football’s business model.

“Reports say 12 or 13 of the 36 Bundesliga 1 and 2 clubs could face insolvency if the situation continues.

“People ask how a business with €4bn of income last season faces insolvency within a month for some of its members.

“Many are saying football without fans isn’t worth it and we should use the time to improve football’s management for the future.

“Opinions are divided, but ultra groups and match-going fans, the vast majority have voiced opinions against resuming behind closed doors.”

Tamsut, who specialises in German fan culture, doesn’t believe the playing of games behind closed doors would lead to a substantial risk of supporters attempting to gather outside grounds, because ultra groups have taken the coronavirus crisis so seriously.

“Most fan groups in Germany in their statements criticising resuming play behind closed doors said explicitly they will go about it in a responsible way and wouldn’t want to risk anyone’s health,” he said.

“That doesn’t mean it won’t happen at all.

“But ultra groups have handled it in a very careful manner and offered help to their communities and doing their bit to deal with the crisis.”