:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66762794/662622392.jpg.0.jpg)
Hello, all!
Today we have former Tottenham defender Teemu Tainio rocking a Carling Cup winners’ medal.
Ramble of the Day
A couple of months ago, we asked: What would we do without football? As a few leagues around the world begin to plot returns, the question has flipped: What will football do without us?
The home stands are filling up nicely though! Over 4,500 cut-outs in place and 12,000+ ordered
— Gladbach (@borussia_en) May 6, 2020
The website is now live in English too to give our international fans a chance to order their cut-out for €19.00 via bank transfer!
https://t.co/TbCsi5ICk3 #DieFohlen pic.twitter.com/uqoznBnlHP
A number of people have taken a first stab at the answer, with Borussia Mönchengladbach sharing photos we’ve all probably seen at this point. The cutouts make the desired impact from a distance, though I must admit I am more than slightly creeped out by the close up shot. As weird as it might be for me, it will probably be weirder for the players that may take to the pitch and really, anyone inside that stadium.
Imagine all those cutouts, grinning but motionless, especially after we’ve all grown accustomed to having living and breathing people sitting at sporting events. One could pair this with an app some are saying is being developed so supporters can cheer and boo from the comfort of their own homes. I’ll wait before assigning truth to this, but I will consider the idea an interesting complement to the cutouts in seats. I’m not entirely sure it eliminates the terrifying nature of having cutouts stare at you, motionless while sound is coming from elsewhere.
There is another idea possibly being contemplated by Sky: CGI fans. I will try not to take the idea too seriously for now, but with this we can eliminate a spooky environment for anyone in the stadium (unless you think closed door matches are inherently creepy, but then I ask: Is it creepier than having cutouts stare at you, with or without imported sound). Good CGI won’t spook the at-home audience, either, though opens up the broadcaster to glitches. They could think it was a problem, and maybe it is but ... it also might just be funny, like a good EA FIFA glitch.
tl;dr: Are any ideas to simulate the supporter experience while respecting social distancing guidelines good, or are they just slightly funny?
Links of the Day
Coronavirus:
- A Torino player tested positive for COVID-19.
- The Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga have permission to resume the season in the second half of May, and the Turkish Süper Lig plans to restart on June 12.
- The women’s top flight in Spain will end as is, with Barcelona winning the title and no teams getting relegated.
- Vancouver Whitecaps’ Yordy Reyna was fined and will quarantine after breaking social distancing guidelines.
Today’s longer read: John Duerden on the K-League as it prepares to finally begin its season and as coronavirus infection rates decrease in South Korea for The Guardian