MANCHESTER CITY will play next month’s Champions League clash at RB Leipzig behind closed doors after the German state of Saxony was placed into partial lockdown.
Pep Guardiola’s men will still travel abroad for their final group stage game.
But travelling fans are not going to be allowed inside the stadium – even if they’ve already paid for tickets.
However, City have confirmed supporters will receive a full refund.
A statement from the Premier League champions said: “Following a rise in COVID-19 rates in Germany, regional authorities will be placing the state of Saxony into partial lockdown.
“This means that RB Leipzig’s UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City on Tuesday 7th December at the Red Bull Arena will now be played behind closed doors, without supporters in attendance.
“Manchester City supporters who had purchased a ticket for this match will receive a full ticket refund.
“The Club will contact impacted supporters in the coming days to confirm that the refund has been processed.”
The decision to implement a partial lockdown has been made by Saxony’s state premier Michael Kretschmer.
Germany recorded a record 57,302 new coronavirus cases yesterday amid fears of a fourth wave throughout Europe.
But City will be hoping their place in the knockout stages will be sealed by the time they fly to the Red Bull Arena.
Jack Grealish and Co are top of Group A with nine points from four games, just one ahead ahead of Paris Saint-Germain.
And the French side, who inflicted City’s only group stage defeat so far this term, can move back into top spot if they can beat Guardiola’s side tomorrow.
City’s task will also be made harder by Kevin De Bruyne’s absence.
The Belgian midfielder has tested positive for coronavirus and will miss Wednesday’s game, as well as tomorrow’s clash with Everton and next weekend’s match against West Ham.
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