This weekend, after endless 'tug of war' between the Spanish Federation, the respective City Councils, and the data from the Ministry of Health in between, the Second Division B started. And, with it, the entrance of the public into the stadiums of Spain for the first time (in official matches) since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.
Among these cases are the most popular ones. On the one hand, Deportivo's return to the bronze category 40 years later, celebrated with an agonizing 2-1 victory over Salamanca. About 3,000 spectators were able to attend Riazor to return to encourage the Blue and Whites after several months of waiting, with a decrease through. And, on the other hand, that of Racing de Santander, which drew 1-1 in its reception at Portugalete.
Precisely, in El Sardinero one of the most paradoxical cases of the weekend was experienced. On the same Saturday, that is, the day before the game, the Government of Cantabria requested voluntary self-confinement of its population due to the feared advance of the coronavirus in the community, since 113 more positives were registered and a total of 8,665 accumulated cases. Of course, without any capacity limit, or closing of bars, restaurants … Places in which cases have been increased to almost ten and four percent, respectively. For what, a day later, on the same Sunday, access to 3,045 fans in Los Campos de Sport de El Sardinero (yes, half of the 6,666 that, in principle, were authorized).
Even Racing itself used the slogan of 'El Sardinero a casa' and vice versa, advising their fans that the stadium gates would open two hours before kick-off to avoid any type of crowds. In addition, they also gave a series of regulations to carry out: occupy the assigned seat and remain seated; maintain a safe distance; mandatory use of masks; Wash hands frequently; no smoking; and forbidden to eat.
A mere reflection of how difficult decision-making continues to be in these times due to the coronavirus. The doubt now resides in how the situation will evolve from now on, if the capacity in the stadiums will be maintained, will it be restricted or will increase more … Meanwhile, in First and Second Division they will have to continue waiting.