Bayern Munich’s game against Barcelona to be played behind closed doors

Bayern Munich will play behind closed doors for the 'foreseeable future'

Bayern Munich's Champions League game against Barcelona will be played behind closed doors next week as a result of the rising rates of coronavirus infections. As reported by Marca, spectators will not be at the Allianz Arena for the crucial clash next week, where Barça could be in threat of dropping into the Europa League, should results go against them in Group E. The state governor for Bavaria confirmed that no supporters would be allowed into stadiums for the 'foreseeable future' with fellow Bundesliga clubs Augsburg and Greuther Fürth, as well as other teams in other sports. Markus Söder said in his statement on Tuesday (3o November) that he has no hesitation in preventing fans from attending games, even if German chancellor Angela Merkel doesn't agree to do so nationwide. It is unknown how likely this will be, however Merkel's spokesperson, Steffen Seibert condemned FC Koln's decision to allow 50,000 fans to attend their game against Borussia Mönchengladbach last weekend. "It makes no sense to allow spectators again for the foreseeable future," Söder told regional broadcaster Bayern 2. "If that doesn't work on the federal level, we will do it for Bavaria alone." As of yet, there has been no set date on when the imposed restrictions in Bavaria will come to an end but it is almost certain that Bayern's game against Mainz three days after their game against Barcelona will also be played without supporters. Bavaria isn't the only state to play games behind closed doors. Manchester City will also be affected next week when they travel to play RB Leipzig in the Champions League. The state of Saxony, which currently has the highest infection rates in the country, was the first in Germany to stop supporters attending games. Related links:

• First 13 cases of the Omicron variant in Portugal believed to be Belenenses SAD players
• Ralf Rangnick will not take charge of Manchester United against Arsenal
• Bayern Munich to withdraw salaries of unvaccinated players who have need to quarantine