Public spaces in Europe that had been desolate for a long time are beginning to thrum with activity again as the Euro 2020 kicks off. In Rome, Italy, the square was filled with people who were yearning for joy.
By
ADRIAN FAJRIANSYAH
·4 minutes read
TIZIANA FABI / AFP
Italy\'s and Turkey\'s fans gather by the "Mussolini Obelisk" as they arrive at the Olympic stadium on June 11, 2021 in Rome prior to the kick off of Turkey vs Italy, opening the UEFA Euro 2020 2021 European Football Championship.
ROME, KOMPAS — Euphoria was palpable in Europe, especially in Rome, where the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship opened on Friday (11/6/2021) local time. Public spaces in the Italian capital, where the tournament’s opening ceremony was held, started to fill up again after long avoidance due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Joyful shouts and chants ahead of the kick-off were heard in central Rome at Piazza del Popolo, or the "People’s Square".
As the afternoon turned to evening, more and more people drifted to the designated area for fans, which was filled with various attractions, food tents and musical performances.
Thousands of football fans flocked to the square, which became deserted when the Covid-19 pandemic first hit Italy in March 2020. Supporters of the Italian and Turkish teams came in their distinct apparel.
As reported by Kompas contributor Agnandito Dwirana Moradeo, the crowd took the time to visit Piazza del Popolo to take in the joy and excitement before watching the Euro’s opening match between Italy and Turkey at the 70,634-seat Stadio Olimpico, where 17,650 spectators were allowed to watch the game.
The presence of thousands of spectators ended the 1.5 years of physical restrictions that had left the Olimpico as silent as a grave, as people had to stay away due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"It\'s nice and I’m very happy. After not having been to the stadium for a long time, [which] frustrated me, I can finally feel the joy again. We can gather again (to support the national team),” said Simeone (26), a resident of Rome who pocketed a ticket to the Italy vs. Turkey match.
AFP/FILIPPO MONTEFORTE
Turkey\'s players attend a training session at the Olympic Stadium in Rome on June 10, 2021 on the eve of the UEFA EURO 2020 Group A football match between Turkey and Italy.
Ali, a supporter of the Turkish national team, also expressed excitement. "I\'m really excited," he said when he was approached for comment at Piazza del Popolo.
To enter the Euro 2020 fan zone in the square, visitors do not need to show a vaccine certificate or a Covid-19 negative test result. They are only asked to fill in their data, such as personal address and phone number.
Like Italy, a number of other Euro 2020 host countries have also set up fan zones. English fans can gather at Trafalgar Square in London to watch the Euro 2020. The square is currently allowing a capacity of 750 people, but this could be increased to 9,500 if the Covid-19 restrictions are eased on June 21 as planned.
“London residents have sacrificed so much during the pandemic. I have no doubt that the European Cup can act as a real stepping stone for the recovery of this city," London Mayor Sadiq Khan said as quoted on Eurosport.
Kompas’ contributor in London, Adjie Masdyka Sudaryanto, reported that people’s lives were returning to normal, as they were before the pandemic. Bars and restaurants were starting to reopen, albeit still at limited capacity.
London residents have sacrificed so much during the pandemic.
AFP/TOLGA AKMEN
St George\'s Cross flags, the national flag of England, fly from residents\' homes at the Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, south London on June 8, 2021, on the eve the UEFA EURO 2020 football competition, which was delayed by a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hair salons, which had been closed for a long time, were beginning to serve customers, like one on Liverpool Street in London, where a number of people were queuing for their turns.
The improved situation is due to the UK’s progress in handling the emergence of new coronavirus variants. Daily cases of Covid-19 in the country, where the Euro 2020 final will be held, are now averaging 4,880, a sharp drop from 53,413 daily cases in January.
Regional quarantine measures and social restrictions aside, Covid-19 vaccine coverage, currently at 59.97 percent of the country’s population, has contributed to bringing down the daily tally in the UK. Meanwhile, Italy’s vaccine drive has now reached 45.41 percent of the population.
Europe is cheering up and celebrating life. Europe is back.
According to Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) president Aleksander Ceferin, the organization is coordinating with all Euro 2020 host countries to encourage maximum fan participation without ignoring the risk of Covid-19.
"This will be the first globally dimensioned event to be held since the pandemic hit. This is the perfect opportunity to show the world that Europe is adapting. Europe is cheering up and celebrating life. Europe is back," said Ceferin.
UEFA and Euro host countries are permitting varying stadium capacities from 22 percent to 100 percent of spectator seats.
