Japan launches remote cheering app to boost atmosphere in empty stadiums

System allows fans following a match on TV, the radio or online to encourage – or berate – players via their smartphones

When Japan’s coronavirus-hit football league finally resumes in a few weeks’ time, it will be in stadiums devoid of supporters. But a new smartphone app could mean the action won’t unfold in atmosphere-sapping silence.

The Remote Cheerer system developed by the Japanese firm Yamaha allows fans following the match on TV, the radio or online to encourage – or berate – players via their smartphones, their voices reverberating around the stadium in realtime via loudspeakers.

Related: South Korean football team apologises for using sex dolls to fill stands

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