Coronavirus fears: Leipzig apologises for kicking out Japanese fans from stadium

Leipzig added that it was trying to contact the fans, reportedly as many as 20, in order to invite them to its next home game.

In a statement, Leipzig said that its security staff “had been instructed to intensify checks” of “certain groups due to potential risk”.

RB Leipzig on Monday apologised after forcing a group of Japanese spectators to leave its Red Bull Arena during the weekend's 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen over coronavirus fears.

In a statement, Leipzig said that its 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.” READ:

Leipzig added that it was trying to contact the fans, reportedly as many as 20, in order to invite them to its 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 Rhine-Westphalia, the country's most populous state.

Leipzig's draw with Leverkusen left it three points behind Bundesliga leader Bayern Munich.