German football club RB Leipzig have been forced to apologise to Japanese guests that were ejected from their ground amid a coronavirus mix-up.

It has come to light that the club ejected 20 visitors from their home ground - The Red Bull Arena - before their 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen.

Stewards at the ground were instructed by the club to perform "increased checks on groups of persons from potential risk areas."

"We would like to and must apologise for this mistake at this point," said RB Leipzig in a statement on the matter.

"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."

Coronavirus concerns

Germany currently has 150 reported cases of the coronavirus, which originated in China from a bacteria transmitted by livestock.

RB Leipzig have since met with members of the Japanese group - who were attending a course on sports business in the city - and have invited them to come back for another game.

In a statement, the Japanese group stated: "We were aware at all times that this incident occurred due to the concern associated with coronavirus, and not due to anything else."

They also credited a 'constructive exchange' with the club.

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