Fans throng Hungarian football stadia

MISKOLC, Hungary: Fans returned to Hungarian football stadia at the weekend after a two-month break due to the coronavirus, a first in Europe where other leagues have resumed behind closed doors.

The Hungarian Football Association (MLSZ) decided on Thursday to allow clubs let fans in for the first time since March on condition that every second row in stadia remains empty, and that only every fourth seat is occupied.

Outside the Diosgyor Club Stadium in the northeastern city of Miskolc on Saturday before its game with Mezokovesd their supporters said they were glad to be back and meet fellow fans again. “We’ll keep the rules as there could be closed-doors games again if we don’t follow rules,” said Richard Kovacs, 36.

Some 2,255 spectators attended the game, one of six to take place in Hungary at the weekend, with the stands speckled with scattered fans.

“The virus hasn’t disappeared so we must keep the distance,” said 18-year-old student Csaba Gasparics wearing a Diosgyor facemask. “We are only worried if we win or lose, not about the epidemic,” said Gabor Lengyel, 41.