Confirmed: Zero fans for Leipzig, Aue, and Dresden through December 12th
As German states continue to clamp down in the wake of the winter COVID surge, new restrictions in Saxony bring with them the worst possible news from the perspective of local footballing supporters.
There will be another "Geisterpiele Era" (spectator-free "ghost games") in Germany. RB Leipzig, Dynamo Dresden, and Erzgebirge Aue must play before empty stands through December 12th.
There will be another "Geisterpiele Era" (spectator-free "ghost games") in Germany. RB Leipzig, Dynamo Dresden, and Erzgebirge Aue must play before empty stands through December 12th.
| Red Bull Arena. | Photo: GEPA Pictures/Christian Schroedter/POOL via Picture Point |
A hard "2G" set of regulations will heavily restrict the movements and activities of the state's population. Minister President Michael Kretschmer confirmed these early on Saturday. Second-tier Dynamo Dresden will still be permitted to host fans during its home match tomorrow (Sunday). Following that event, all professional sporting events in the state shall take place without spectators through December 12th.
This new law affects two home fixtures for Dresden, along with two for local 2. Bundesliga rivals Erzgebirge Aue. The two teams will meet for a derby fixture on December 12th with no supporters permitted.
Top-tier side Leipzig will have to play two league "ghost games" (against Leverkusen and Gladbach) at home. Additionally, the Champions' League fixture against Manchester City will feature no live fans.