By Peter Weis@PeterVicey

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. 
The German federal state of Saxony must grapple with a huge surge in new corona-infections. Given that the former East German state's population--with a vaccination rate of just 58 percent--are the least protected populace in the country, the state's governing coalition (CDU, SPD, Grüne) has decided that all major sporting events must take place behind closed doors.

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.

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