Atalanta’s match with Valencia in Milan on February 19 has come under scrutiny as the authorities try to track the coronavirus outbreak.
The mayor of Bergamo described the fixture, which saw fans from both
teams attend, as a “biological bomb” in spreading the virus between
Italy and Spain.
The northern region of Lombardy was hit
badly by COVID-19, with a surge of cases and deaths causing a lockdown
in the region at the start of March.
“On February 19, no one knew that Lombardy would be the centre of the epidemic,” UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said.
“Who were we to say it shouldn’t go ahead?
“We followed the advice of the authorities at all times and we couldn’t do anything.”
Referring
to the second leg at Mestalla 15 days later, which was played behind
closed doors, Ceferin insisted decisions postponing matches aren’t taken
lightly.
“Decisions can’t be taken in a day,” he stated.
“There are contracts and agreements.
“[Football] was still being played across Europe then.
“The borders were still open when Valencia and Atalanta played.
“Gatherings of fans outside the stadium was the responsibility of the Spanish authorities.”
Share your thoughts