LAST UPDATE | 10 Mar 2020
A FOURTH CHAMPIONS League last 16 tie will be played behind closed doors as Barcelona have announced their second leg against Napoli next week will be closed to fans.
Italian authorities placed the whole country in a lockdown situation last night in a bid to slow the spread of Covid-19. Away trips for Napoli and Atalanta (against Valencia this evening) will go ahead in front of empty stadia.
The altered conditions are now common across Europe with German giants Bayern Munich announcing their clash with Chelsea will be closed to fans, as will PSG’s meeting with Dortmund in Paris tomorrow.
Barca drew the first leg in Italy 1-1, but will have to navigate the 18 March second leg in front of almost 100,000 empty seats.
This morning also brought confirmation that Manchester United’s Europa League last 16 first leg trip to Austria will take place behind closed doors at the Linzer Stadion on Thursday.
Lask were prompted to close the match to supporters as Austria has barred outdoor gatherings exceeding 500 people and indoor events of more than 100 people.
Less used back roads around towns should be closed off to traffic, to encourage walkers and cyclists to exercise while respecting social distancing guidelines.
This should become a permanent arrangement.
@JR Lewis: what about the people who live and work on those roads? Should tractors and local traffic be diverted too?
I would love to but the parks and walks are closed due to covid19.