Football without spectators is like soup without salt, says Muazu

The chairman of the supporters of Kano Pillars football club, Alhaji Bashir Idris Muazu has said playing the game of football without spectators in the stands is just like eating soup without salt.

The Pillars fans club chairman who spoke to Daily Trust yesterday via telephone was reacting to the absence of fans in the stadiums as some of the top leagues in Europe like the Bundesliga, LaLiga and the Premiership resume action after COVID-19 break.

Despite the fact that organisers of the leagues have improvised ways to give life to the matches, the games have been anything but lively due to the absence of spectators in the stadiums.

Muazu chairman of one of the most vibrant football supporters clubs in the country said the game cannot be the same without supporters to give life to matches.

According to him, players are usually motivated to put in their best only when they are cheered on by their teeming supporters.

He, therefore, said COVID-19 has to a large extent opened the eyes of the world to the fact that football won’t be enjoyable without the fans.

“This COVID-19 has affected the game entirely. You know playing football matches without spectators is like soup without salt because spectators are the ones who usually ginger the players to put in their best.

“They add salt to the soup because without spectators, there will be no passion. And economically, the clubs are going to lose because there will be no gate takings. Spectators pay to watch matches and this also boosts the finances of the clubs.

“At the moment spectators in Europe are not allowed into the stadiums. They can only watch on television and the clubs are no doubt losing money,” he said.

Muazu also said from now henceforth, clubs would begin to attach great importance to their supporters.

He added that Kano Pillars usually struggle to win matches anytime they are asked to play their matches behind closed doors.

“I think the clubs will now value their fans the more. Let me cite an example using my own club. If Kano Pillars are playing behind closed doors, they don’t play like Kano Pillars.

“They are used to playing before their teeming fans. They are more motivated when their vociferous supporters are cheering them from the stands,” he explained.