Wales supporters won’t be there, even those flying in or making their way from other countries it seems may face an obstructive pathway to the Amsterdam arena. And to cap it all off the tournament darlings will be the opposition for Wales. It couldn’t be much harder. But then it has hardly been a logistical breeze from the time the stadiums were selected, and the venues for Wales decided.
The near fatal incident on game day one involving Christian Eriksen most certainly made everyone reflect on what is important in life. For the watching millions this weekend not only will they have maximum sympathy for the Danes as a result, their supporters are highly regarded throughout Europe. However, and still surprisingly no fuss is being made of the fact supporters of both side face a very similar travel restrictions. On reflection not as much as the lauded UEFA officials for later stage games at Wembley.
Not a lot has been said about the games being held at the Amsterdam arena. Just the Wembley matches where England again today play in front of their own supporters against the Czech Republic. No dispensation for any supporters wanting to travel to the Netherlands, and when you look at the packed stadium in Copenhagen last night you can possibly understand why. It was a Covid-19 nightmare.
Either way Wales fans are being told they are not welcome in the Netherlands this weekend, and for those resident in the EU it’s not clear at all what welcome they will get. Rest assured Wales fans already in Europe for the Italy game on Sunday will also find an obstructed pathway. As UK residents they surely will also face an uncertain welcome if they get as far as Dutch customs.
A full house in Copenhagen last night. No masks, no distancing, no sense
Guidelines to enter the Netherlands are not that clear.
You must show a negative COVID-19 test result if you are travelling to or returning to the Netherlands. This applies to most countries and to everyone aged 13 or over. The test result is mandatory if you are travelling by air, ship, international train, coach or private transport, such as by car or motorcycle. This requirement also applies even if you have been vaccinated, and only to countries on the ‘safe countries’ list.
However, they do have an isolation rule as well. It’s cloudy to say the least. It depends on which EU country you travel from, and only then you have to fit the exemption criteria. Which as a fan you do not. What followers of Wales do know is they won’t be able to travel to the game on Saturday from the UK, it’s impossible. There is a list of safe countries, which excludes Denmark and includes Ireland, Poland, Germany and quite a few more which is found at the government.NL website. If you reside in these countries you don’t have to show a negative test or self isolate. The UEFA lottery and political gamesmanship referred to by the FA of Wales is in full swing, and it depends who you are and what position you hold as to the rules on country entry, and in Wembley’s case, official entry.
Stay at home and enjoy the game seems to be the best advice, it’s extremely sad but this tournament is not like 2016. Even when not selected as a primary venue on three occasions over three years Wales have been overlooked continuously. When Dublin admitted they couldn’t host games, and despite certain promises the Millennium stadium wasn’t selected. If Wales beat Denmark, and the Danes are now favourites, where do they go next ? Yes, back to Baku, it’s laughable. And all the time England train daily in North London, and play all their games in North London. There are other examples, but as our near neighbours it’s amazing how differently they are being treated as a nation competing ‘allegedly’ in a fair tournament that daily screams equality.
Not this weekend, no red wall at all
What are your thoughts on the rules which have continually thwarted Wales during these Euros ? Comment below or on our forums