The spread of the coronavirus around the world could impact Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League fixture against Borussia Dortmund next week.
Previous reports indicated that government and health officials could force the match to be played behind closed doors or even delayed.
The latest information from Le Parisien (via Culture PSG) reveals that there could be another option in play. PSG supporters would be allowed to fill the Parc des Princes for the highly-anticipated fixture but Dortmund fans would not be allowed to travel from Germany to be in the stands.
We’re still waiting for an official decision regarding the status of the match but the idea that Dortmund would have to come into a hostile environment without any of their supporters could benefit PSG as they look to come back from a 2-1 deficit after the first leg and advance to the quarter-finals.
As you would expect, Dortmund’s general manager, Hans-Joachim Watzki doesn’t believe his fans would have any impact and isn’t concerned about the possibility of them being barred from attending.
“I think the match will be played, Watzki told RMC Sport. “The decision will come from the French authorities. Whether it will be with 50,000 or 5,000 spectators, or perhaps none, has no influence. For us, it is not important. We need to be as fit as possible on the field. For the stands, it is not our responsibility but that of the French authorities.”
Of course, that is a bunch of nonsense. Dortmund is one of the few teams in Europe with a distinct competitive advantage due to their fans. While the Yellow Wall wouldn’t be at the Parc des Princes, 5,000 Dortmund fans singing could be the boost the team needs to hold off a PSG side that will likely charge at them from the opening whistle.
As soon as we hear a decision we’ll make sure to share it here and social media @PSGTalk.
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