Soccer-Leipzig apologise after Japanese group ejected over coronavirus checks

Bundesliga club RB Leipzig have apologized to a group of Japanese ejected from the stadium during Sunday's Bundesliga match at home to Bayer Leverkusen amid coronavirus concerns. Leipzig said its stewards were required to conduct "increased checks on groups of persons from potential risk areas" following recommendations from the Robert Koch Institute for disease control.

"Unfortunately, in this specific case, due to the great uncertainty that currently exists in our country about this topic, a mistake was made in the interpretation of the recommendations to our Japanese guests," said the club in a statement on Monday. "We would like to and must apologize for this mistake at this point. We would like to make up for what happened and are already trying to contact the persons concerned and invite them to the next home game."

Germany has reported 150 cases of the disease. Leipzig did not give further details of the incident, however, the DPA news agency said a group of around 20 Japanese visitors was told to leave about 10 minutes after kickoff.

The match ended in 1-1 draw leaving second-placed Leipzig three points behind leaders Bayern Munich.