Aristotle once said “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet,” and those are the words that have preserved a glimmer of hope in the hearts of all football fans. The pandemic has vexed eager spectators who had passionately looked forward to an action-packed summer, only to find themselves locked in the confines of their four walls.
Ever since the horrors of Covid-19 were unleashed on planet Earth, situations worsened with every passing second, creating despair amongst followers of sports worldwide. Sports fans only realized the magnitude of the virus when the prestigious tennis competition, Wimbledon, was cancelled for the first time since the second world war.
As events were cancelled one after another, sports fanatics around the world were agonized by this disruption of their routine. The pandemic has affected some of the most significant events ever- events that people spent years looking forward to- such as the Euros. Even the renowned Olympics that were supposed to be held in August, in Tokyo, were cancelled. Both these events have now been pushed back a year, displeasing fans who were anxiously waiting to see their favourite athletes in action.
After months fuelled by uncertainty and exasperation, football games were recommenced, when the German Bundesliga tournament began in May. Like a domino effect, all other leagues commenced their games, reviving football completely by July. Unfortunately, the absence of fans, cheering on their teams, failed to create the same atmosphere.
Although fans greeted the return of football with cheer, there were countless precautions taken to ensure the safety to players, staff, and everyone involved with the process of providing football action to passionate fans across the globe.
There were several rules introduced that received mixed views from onlookers. Players were asked to celebrate goals by maintaining a distance between players, and benched footballers were instructed to follow social distancing guidelines and use masks. Players were also given an additional cooling break in the middle of each half so that they can keep themselves hydrated- to avoid the risk of illness or fatigue. While fans may have disapproved these rules, not a single person would dare to complain; they were just glad about the fact that their beloved game had recommenced.
This also reminds us of true sportsman spirit, which isn’t to risk your life, but for you to overcome obstacles that may come in your way. These footballers are passionate about their game, and that was the only reason they continued it, even during these trying times. Courage, bravery, and true love for anything can help you overcome every hurdle you face.
