Werder Bremen have cancelled a planned friendly against Lazio at the Weser-Stadion next month out of fear it could be used by hooligans to cause trouble.
The Bundesliga side were set to welcome their Serie A rivals to northern Germany, but with growing speculation that right-wing groups are planning to use the event as a stage for protests, the two clubs have agreed to call the game off.
"There are numerous indications that right-wing radical groups want to use this game as a stage for abuse," Bremen's CEO Klaus Filbry said.
"This has been confirmed to us by many sources. We don't want to offer this opportunity in a friendly game.
"Furthermore, we are not prepared to increase the security measures for such a family-friendly highlight of our pre-season preparations so significantly, which is why we've agreed with Lazio to call the game off."
Fans who have already purchased tickets for the game can request a full refund, although Filbry says alternative opponents for the same day, Aug. 6, are being sought.
"Maybe it would be wise to hold on a bit before returning tickets," he said. "We are working intensively on finding an equally attractive opponent for that weekend. Tickets for this game will then still be valid for that fixture."