NEVERKUSEN

Gers’ German tie may be behind closed doors - or not at all

RANGERS are almost certain to play their Europa League tie at Bayer Leverkusen behind closed doors – if it even goes ahead.

The Ibrox club are monitoring the coronavirus crisis ahead of the return leg in Germany next week but are bracing themselves for turning out in an empty stadium at best. City of Leverksusen officials released a statement yesterday that revealed they are ready to scrap all events in the area whether there is a crowd or not.

The first leg goes ahead as planned in front of a full house at Ibrox tomorrow but Rangers have forbidden players from shaking hands with fans and posing for selfies in a bid to minimise risk.

Up to 10,000 Rangers fans were set to travel to northern Germany for the second leg on March 19 but are likely to be told to stand down in the next 48 hours.

Health bosses in Dortmund, 50 miles from Leverkusen, have ordered Saturday’s derby between Borussia and Schalke to be played in front of empty stands.

Germany’s Health Minister Jens Spahn advises that meetings of more than 1,000 people should be cancelled, putting

Leverkusen to act ahead of the second leg. In a statement Rangers said: “The club is in continuous dialogue with Bayer and authorities over this upcoming fixture.

“The current situation is the match will proceed as planned with supporters attending.

“But this could change quickly and dramatically in coming days. Direction will have to be taken

German authorities.”