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Bundesliga sets strict regulations to keep supporters away from stadiums
The Bundesliga is set to resume next weekend.
Bundesliga: Pundits discuss plans to restart German league
Bundesliga clubs face the prospect of missing out on points if supporters turn up outside the ground as matches are set to resume behind closed doors, according to Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Fredi Bobic.
Germany is set to see their top flight return to action on May 16 after a two-month break caused by the coronavirus.
A number of stringent criteria must be met to keep the players and staff safe from COVID-19, which includes regular testing.
The Bundesliga is set to be the first major domestic league to resume amid the global pandemic.
But fans have been warned they could cost their team points if they turn up in their masses to show their support.
Eintracht Frankfurt chief Bobic, who starred for Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League in 2002, has warned his club's supporters of the new regulations.
He told ESPN: "We talked a lot with our own fans at Frankfurt and said, 'Listen guys, don't show up at the stadium. If you show up at the stadium, we will lose this game because the rules are very strict'.
"If they show up, the result goes to the away team.
"[The fans] are smart, though. They've followed the rules in the last weeks, they've done a lot for the community, especially for the elders.
"So we are confident, we are in good communication with the fan groups and the signal from the fans is very positive that they won't show up at the stadium.
"That's the right thing to do. It's not allowed. We've re-opened a lot of things, but that's not allowed, big groups.
"Don't show up at the stadium, it makes no sense."
Eintracht Frankfurt are just six points above Fortuna Dusseldorf in the relegation play-off spot so every point is crucial for their survival.
The Premier League is looking at the Bundesliga as the blueprint for how they can move forwards.
However, to solve the issue of supporters cheering on their teams from afar they are hoping to use neutral stadia.
Bundesliga opening weekend fixtures
Saturday, May 16
Augsburg v Wolfsburg
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin
RB Leipzig v Freiburg
Sunday, May 17
Cologne v Mainz
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich
Monday, May 18
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen