Barcelona to host Napoli in empty stadium
The decision for the game on 18 March makes it the fourth last 16 tie to ban supporters, following the decision to play PSG vs Borussia Dortmund, Juventus vs Lyon and Valencia vs Atalanta behind closed doors.
Camp Nou became the latest casualty of coronavirus fears spreading all over Europe. The Uefa Champions League match between Barcelona and Napoli will be played in an empty stadium.
The Spanish club said no fans will be allowed in to watch the match at Camp Nou on March 18. The teams drew 1-1 in the first leg in Italy.
FC Barcelona said in a tweet that, "The Champions League match scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, between FC Barcelona and Napoli, will be played at Camp Nou behind closed doors".
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The decision was made by Gerard Figueras, general secretary of sport, following a meeting FC Barcelona and Catalan Regional Government.
"It is a decision that has been taken strictly for health reasons," said Joan Guix, the Health Secretary of the Catalan Regional Government.
Spain's health minister on Monday announced a sharp spike in coronavirus cases in and around Madrid, and said all schools in the region will close for two weeks from Wednesday. There were more than 1,200 confirmed cases in Spain on Monday, with 28 deaths and 74 people in intensive care.
The decision for the game on 18 March makes it the fourth last 16 tie to ban supporters, following the decision to play PSG vs Borussia Dortmund, Juventus vs Lyon and Valencia vs Atalanta behind closed doors.
Two Europa League matches in the country also have been affected — Sevilla vs. Roma on Thursday and Getafe vs. Inter Milan on March 19. La Liga have taken the decision to play the next two rounds behind closed doors.
Italy, Europe's worst-hit country with 9,172 cases and 463 deaths, on Monday banned all sporting events until April 3, suspending all Serie A football fixtures.
