The Bundesliga changes that Portsmouth, Sunderland, Ipswich and Peterborough may also have to adopt

Fans up and down the country feasted on football’s return this weekend.
The FC Koln substitutes socially distance in the stands rather than the dugout for their Bundesliga game against FSV Mainz.  Picture: Lars Baron/Getty ImagesThe FC Koln substitutes socially distance in the stands rather than the dugout for their Bundesliga game against FSV Mainz.  Picture: Lars Baron/Getty Images
The FC Koln substitutes socially distance in the stands rather than the dugout for their Bundesliga game against FSV Mainz. Picture: Lars Baron/Getty Images

After more than a two-month absence, elite football is finally back after the Bundesliga became the first league in Europe to get back up and running.

It was quite surreal viewing an eerie Signal Iduna Park, the most raucous stadium in Germany, on Saturday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Borussia Dortmund stuck four past Schalke yet there was no Yellow Wall to revel in the emphatic Revierderby victory.

When Erling Braut Haaland, Jadon Sancho & Co. celebrated in front where 25,000 fans are usually situated at the final whistle, it was a strange sight indeed.

But what we’ve witnessed in Germany will likely be a precursor to what we’re likely to expect should Pompey manage to complete their League One promotion push.

Similar precautions will be taken over here amid the Coivd-19 outbreak.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There are still hopes the Blues will get to finish their campaign on the pitch.

Pompey will play games behind closed doors if their League One season does resume. Picture: Charlie CrowhurstPompey will play games behind closed doors if their League One season does resume. Picture: Charlie Crowhurst
Pompey will play games behind closed doors if their League One season does resume. Picture: Charlie Crowhurst

Should League One clubs vote to conclude the 2019-20 season via an unweighted points-per-game method – undertaken in League Two – then Kenny Jackett's men would finish fifth and enter a four-team play-off.

An idea of an extended eight-team play-off has also been mooted to decide on who’ll join Coventry and Rotherham in the Championship given how close the third tier is, which would also see the Blues return to action.

If that’s the case then stringent measures will be put in place by the EFL, with Bundesliga sides given a strict 51-page medical plan they must adhere to.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

First and foremost, social distancing would still apply where applicable.

If Pompey are travelling to an away game then everyone involved on match-day won’t be able to congregate on one bus, as per normal.

In fact, several team buses will be required, with Shrewsbury chief executive Brian Caldwell claiming three or four would be needed if his side had to play out their remaining 10 matches.

Players may be required to also wear face masks entering grounds, as well as in the dressing room and during the warm-up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Other people, including the media, could also have their temperatures taken, while limited numbers will be permitted inside.

No fans will be allowed to congregate outside the like of Fratton Park, either.

Back inside, and Kenny Jackett and his opposition number might be the only people on the sidelines not to don a mask so they can get clear instructions to their players.

Meanwhile, substitutes may have to keep two metres apart and sit in the stands rather than the dugouts.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The likes of Marcus Harness, Ben Close and Craig MacGillivray could be ensconced in the South Stand rather than the comfy seats they’re used to at Fratton Park.

Luckily, there would be no difference in terms of the game itself. Sean Raggett would still be putting another tooth on the line, while Ellis Harrison could battle a defender at close quarters.

Goal celebrations could look a bit odd, however, as players might be encouraged to keep their distance.

If John Marquis bagged another last-minute winner to take Pompey into the Championship – as he did against Exeter to take Pompey into the Leasing.com Trophy final – then he might not be embraced by his team-mate as you’d expect.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is currently a guideline in Germany and not a rule, so the Blues may not be punished if emotions took over.

In addition, the ball boys lucky enough to watch their team may not just be chucking Mitres back into play. Another role that could fall under their remit is disinfecting balls before kick-off and at full-time.

Once the final whistle is blown, there won’t be any of the post-match handshakes, either.

They have been swapped for first or elbow bumps, while Wolfsburg players kicked boots with the referee and his assistants after their 2-1 win over Augsburg.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And as for post-match interviews with the media, well, they’ll also be impacted on.

Reporters will understandably be asked to keep their distance from players, while managers in Germany conducted their media duties via video calls.

Indeed, the new reality of football is peculiar - but it’s something we might just have to get used to.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.