RB Leipzig Decide Against Closing Doors for Tottenham Clash Despite Coronavirus Concerns
RB Leipzig have confirmed that spectators will be allowed into their Champions League last-16 decider with Tottenham, despite concerns over the spread of Covid-19 in Germany.
Clubs across the continent are battening down the hatches in a bid to fight the virus. Italy has been hit hardest, with various fixtures postponed and the doors slammed shut for Juventus' visit of Inter on Sunday evening, while it was confirmed on Monday that PSG's Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund will be contested in front of an empty stadium.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund at Parc des Princes on Wednesday will be played behind closed doors due to coronavirus, say Paris Police. #PSGBVB
— Lyall Thomas (@SkySportsLyall) March 9, 2020
There are yet to be any cancellations or closed-doors fixtures in Germany as a result of the hysteria, but the Bundesliga is expected to be hit soon.
German health minister Jens Spahn recently recommended that all events with 1000+ spectators should be cancelled, and although the Bundesliga have confirmed that the season will finish, it has been reported by Forbes that all remaining fixtures could take place without spectators.
In spite of all of that, however, Leipzig have pressed ahead, and confirmed that their second leg with Spurs - in which they lead 1-0 thanks to a Timo Werner penalty in north London - will open its doors to fans.
ℹ️ #RBLTOT
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) March 9, 2020
The game is currently not at risk of cancellation due to the recent Coronavirus outbreak.
We remain in close contact with Health Authorities and the the match will go ahead as planned, with the fans being able to enjoy the match in the ground.@SpursOfficial
The decision was made by the city Mayor's office, who hold the final say despite federal recommendations to the contrary. Britain is not believed to be a 'risk' area due to the relatively low number of cases in the country, while it's said that guidelines for handling the containment of the virus in Germany only pertain to indoor events at this stage.
PSG's clash with Dortmund is the only Champions League tie to close its doors for the time being, although it's expected that Juventus' clash with Lyon in two weeks time will follow suit given the increasingly desperate state of affairs in Italy.