BERLIN: German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer on Tuesday urged the British government to reduce the number of fans allowed into Wembley stadium for the final Euro 2020 matches, as fears grow over the spread of the Delta variant.
“I think it’s irresponsible for tens of thousands to gather in close proximity” in countries where the “highly contagious” Delta variant is spreading, Seehofer told Germany’s Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.
The appeal comes just hours before a last-16 clash between England and long-time rivals Germany at London’s Wembley stadium.
UEFA and the British authorities have said some 45,000 supporters will be allowed to attend the game, equivalent to 50 percent of capacity.
Attendance will be increased to 75 percent of capacity, or more than 60,000 fans, for the semi-finals and final at Wembley, in what will be the largest crowds at a sports event in Britain since the start of the pandemic.
In Germany, where Munich’s Allianz Arena has hosted several Euro 2020 matches, the capacity cap has been set at a strict 20 percent — or around 14,000 spectators….
“I think it’s irresponsible for tens of thousands to gather in close proximity” in countries where the “highly contagious” Delta variant is spreading, Seehofer told Germany’s Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.
The appeal comes just hours before a last-16 clash between England and long-time rivals Germany at London’s Wembley stadium.
UEFA and the British authorities have said some 45,000 supporters will be allowed to attend the game, equivalent to 50 percent of capacity.
Attendance will be increased to 75 percent of capacity, or more than 60,000 fans, for the semi-finals and final at Wembley, in what will be the largest crowds at a sports event in Britain since the start of the pandemic.
In Germany, where Munich’s Allianz Arena has hosted several Euro 2020 matches, the capacity cap has been set at a strict 20 percent — or around 14,000 spectators….
