Jens Lehmann has come in for criticism after suggesting stadiums should be partially filled once the Bundesliga returns.
German football is planning to return on May 9 and become the first major European league to resume since the outbreak of coronavirus.
Careful steps are being taken to ensure public safety with games set to be played behind closed doors.
But the former Arsenal goalkeeper reckons a stadium at 25 per cent capacity is a realistic option as they look to protect the economy.
And he has suggested a ban for those who put others in danger by failing to obey social distancing rules.
Despite the backlash to his proposal Lehmann claims he is yet to be persuaded against it.
He told Bild : "I have never heard a reasonable counter argument. If only every fourth seat is filled, there is enough distance between them.
"Anyone who violates the distance rule is kicked out and is banned from the stadium. In general, I think Mr Schauble's [president of the Bundestag] statements are good: we have to start Germany up again so that the economy survives.
"That applies to all sectors of the economy, including the Bundesliga."
Lehmann himself contracted coronavirus but claimed it was "easier than the flu" to deal with.
He added: "Yes, I became infected in mid-March and suffered from a cough and mild fever for a day and a half.
"After two weeks of quarantine, the authorities declared me healthy again. It was easier than with flu. But of course people at risk have to be careful. It probably also helps to live reasonably healthy."
Most Bundesliga teams have nine games to play before the season ends.
Bayern Munich currently lead the way with a four-point cushion over Borussia Dortmund in second.
