Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte criticized the fans who sing and cheer at football matches, saying they are thwarting efforts to combat the Corona virus amid the increase in infections.
A limited number of fans were allowed to return to the stadiums in the Netherlands with the start of the new season this month, as long as the rules of social distancing were adhered to and abstained from singing and chanting.
"They should only remain silent when sitting in the stands. Watch the match and don't shout. It is possible," Rutte responded to a question about the fans ’behavior in the stands.
The fans did not remain calm, and many of them left their seats during the matches to stand and sing together.
The prime minister added, "This is complete stupidity, that way we will not control the virus."
The daily number of Coronavirus infections in the Netherlands exceeded two thousand cases for the first time today, Monday, setting a record for the fifth time in one week.
Last Friday, Rutte announced regional measures to limit the spread of the disease.
This has forced bars and restaurants to close early and limit the size of gatherings, and has repeatedly warned that football stadiums may close again if fans do not abide by the rules.
Fans can only go out or enter the stadiums at specific times, which means that some may have to reach the stadium more than an hour early, and others have to wait a long time before they can leave the stadium.