Back
27.01.2022Bayer 04

Bayer 04 statement on the issue of spectators in German professional sport

Voices have grown louder in recent days. Not just the management of different Bundesliga and other professional clubs have made clear and critical statements on the decisions of the Federal government at the start of the week. The voice of the fans have also grown louder as they want to return to the stadiums and do not understand the criteria set, particularly in professional football in Germany at the moment.
Bayer04_Logo_Bayarena_2_1819.jpg

Therefore, Bayer 04, who have often spoken out in the past for a responsible but also optimistic approach to opening stadiums, has now released a statement by the managing directors Fernando Carro (chairman) and Rudi Völler (sporting):

"Bayer 04 Leverkusen sharply criticise the hesitant and inconsistent position of German politicians in relation to dealing with the issue of spectators in professional sport. According to the changing circumstances, we expect suitable treatment of sport and professional football in particular, which unfortunately have recently fallen victim to an unrealistic symbolic politics.

We remain great advocates – and also pioneers – of level-headed handling of the effects of the pandemic. However, it is now time to take responsible steps back to normality.

Other big leagues in Europe are showing how that can work. England now has almost no restrictions, stadiums in Spain are 75% open with an incidence rate of over 3,000, France will allow full capacity crowds from next week and Serie A will go up to 50% capacity at the start of February.

There is no verified evidence that even one match in the Bundesliga or Bundesliga 2 has been the source of significantly increased infection rates – also neither the venue nor the approaches to the stadium. Other cultural events in Germany are taking place at almost full capacity and mostly in enclosed spaces. A completely disproportionate state of affairs.

The voices of our fans get louder and louder, the urgent need for perspective and openness is clear and is not only seen in that way by the clubs affected. We therefore call on the North Rhine-Westphalia government to ensure appropriate and reliable conditions for fans in stadiums and to implement that as soon as possible. In the same way that it has already been set in motion by other federal states – and in the best case scenario in a unified manner across the whole country."

Related News

Women end record-breaking season with 1-3 defeat in Wolfsburg | Matchday 22
Werkself-TV - 11.05.2025

Women: TV-highlights of 1-3 loss at VfL Wolfsburg

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-3 loss at VfL Wolfsburg on the 22nd matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2024/25...

Show more
Enttäuschung bei den Bayer 04-Frauen
Women - 11.05.2025

Bayer 04 Women end record season with 3-1 loss in Wolfsburg

Bayer 04 Women ended their record-breaking 2024/25 Bundesliga season with a 3-1 defeat at Wolfsburg. It means Roberto Pätzold’s side finish the campaign with an unprecedented 43 points and 13 wins in fourth place for the club’s highest-ever finish. Cornelia Kramer scored the Werkself’s goal in the 75th minute.

Show more
BVB
Bundesliga - 11.05.2025

Our next opponents: On course for a happy ending

A few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund were marooned in mid-table mediocrity in the Bundesliga. Then the Black and Yellows started a run that overcame all comers. And suddenly a Champions League spot was again within reach. BVB will be looking to take the next step towards the big target at the BayArena on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). Coach Niko Kovac has almost his full squad available. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Janou Levels im Duell mit Cornelia Kramer
Women - 10.05.2025

Bayer 04 Women end season with chance to play “freely and bravely” at Wolfsburg

Bayer 04 Women end their record-breaking season away at Wolfsburg on Sunday (kick-off: 2pm CEST). Although the Werkself know they will finish the campaign in fourth for their best-ever finish, head coach Roberto Pätzold has called on his team to produce one final big result.

Show more
Caroline Kehrer
Women - 10.05.2025

Caroline Kehrer and Charlotte Voll out injured

Bayer 04 Women will be without Caroline Kehrer and Charlotte Voll for the remainder of the season. Striker Kehrer suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during training, while goalkeeper Voll tore the syndesmosis in her right foot.

Show more