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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matt Lawless

Coronavirus worry means Valencia vs Atalanta will be played in an empty stadium

Valencia's Champions League last 16 decider against Atalanta will be played behind closed doors due to ongoing coronavirus concerns.

In what is the latest sporting casualty to be hit by the global epidemic, football fans will be forbidden from the Mestalla next Tuesday (March 10).

Spain's Health Minister Salvador Illa recommended that sporting events in their country with a high expected attendance from zones designated as high-risk for coronavirus, such as northern Italy, should be held behind closed doors.

That includes the return leg between Valencia and Italy's Atalanta and a Europa League match between Getafe and Inter Milan on March 19.

Valencia's Champions League last 16 decider against Atalanta will be played behind closed doors (Action Images via Reuters)

Meanwhile, the threat of coronavirus kept Scotland manager Steve Clarke away from the Nations League draw on Tuesday night.

Scottish Football Association president Ian Maxwell said: “It was our suggestion for Steve not to come to the draw. What's the point of him travelling through four different airports and risking exposing himself?

"He's the key man - he's manager of the Scotland team. If something happens to a player or someone in the administration then someone else can step into their shoes."

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