Bayern Munich won't have fans at home opener due to rising coronavirus rates

The Bundesliga is set to open Friday with a match between Bayern Munich and Schalke, but the game will not be played in front of fans due to concerns about rising coronavirus infection rates in Munich.

"It would send the wrong signal," Munich mayor Dieter Reiter said in a statement. "It's bitter for the fans and club, I am aware of it. But the crisis is not over yet. We all need to be aware of it."

Over the past week, Munich has seen its average number of infections per 100,000 jump from 34 to 47.6, a significant enough rise for officials decide to not allow fans at Friday's game. 

German officials announced earlier this week that fans would be able to attend games, with clubs allowed to have up to 20 percent capacity. For Bayern Munich, they were preparing to have 7,500 fans at Allianz Arena, which can have up to 75,000 fans. Manager Hansi Flick previously said it would be nice to have fans back but made it clear the club would follow whatever protocols would keep everyone safe.

"It is like it is. And this [the pandemic] will be with us for a long time. Let's see what the future brings. We can only stand to the rules and handle this situation professionally," Flick said.

Bayern Munch, who won the Champions League this summer, plan to have fans at future games, assuming the infection rate drops.