LEIPZIG APOLOGISE AFTER KICKING OUT JAPANESE FANS

Berlin: RB Leipzig on Monday apologised after forcing a group of Japanese spectators to leave their Red Bull Arena during the weekend’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen over coronavirus fears. In a statement, Leipzig said that their security staff “had been instructed to intensify checks” of “certain groups due to potential risk”. “Unfortunately ... Amidst the great uncertainty surrounding this topic ... A mistake was made on our part,” the statement continued. “We would like to extend our apologies.” Leipzig added that they were trying to contact the fans, reportedly as many as 20, in order to invite them to their next home game. While not as badly affected as nearby Italy, cases of coronavirus in Germany rose to 157 on Monday, up from 129 the previous day. Otherwise known as COVID-19, the virus has now spread to 10 of Germany’s 16 states, with more than half the confirmed cases in North RhineWestphalia, the country’s most populous state. Leipzig’s draw with Leverkusen left them three points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.

‘NO RESTRICTIONS’ FOR FRENCH FOOTBALL, RUGBY Paris: Top-flight French football and rugby matches “are not subject to specific restrictions” and will continue to go ahead as planned despite concerns over the coronavirus, sports minister Roxana Maracineanu said Tuesday. Officials have reported 191 COVID-19 cases in France so far, and three deaths, while authorities are prohibiting any gatherings of more than 5,000 people in enclosed spaces. The largest numbers of coronavirus infections in France have emerged in the Oise department north of Paris. “Today (the matches) are not subject to any specific restrictions,” said Maracineanu.