Bundesliga returns in bizarre scenes after COVID postponement

On its first weekend back after the Coronavirus pause to compeition, Bundesliga officials have been urged to ‘tighten up’ hygiene regulations after teams were caught hugging and kissing during goal celebrations.

Benjamin Pavard celebrates scoring Bayern’s second goal with David Alaba. Picture: Getty

A senior German politician expects the Bundesliga to “tighten up” instructions on how to celebrate goals after some players hugged - breaching strict hygiene protocol - when the league resumed this weekend.

The German season restarted on Saturday after a two-month break due to the coronavirus pandemic - and champions Bayern Munich returned with a 2-0 win at Union Berlin on Sunday - with clubs having agreed to draconian hygiene guidelines in a plan approved by the German government.

“Football has an extreme function to be a role model, so we should stick to our instructions and pay attention to it next week,” Markus Soeder, state minister for Bavaria, told broadcaster Sport1 on Sunday.

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Some players, like Dortmund's Thorgan Hazard and Erling Haaland, celebrated within the rules. Picture: AP

The Bundesliga is the first top European league to resume during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Players were told to avoid contact whenever possible, especially when celebrating goals - yet that was ignored on a few occasions.

Hertha Berlin’s Marko Grujic was kissed on the cheek by team-mate Dedryck Boyata on Saturday after their side took the lead in a 3-0 win against Hoffenheim.

“I didn’t like it,” Soeder said sternly, referring to Hertha’s protocol breach. Earlier this month, the capital city side had already suspended ex-Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou for posting a video of him shaking hands with team-mates in the dressing room before training.

Schalke players sit on the bench during their Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund. Picture: AFP

Also on Saturday, some Borussia Moenchengladbach players hugged after their team scored two early goals in the 3-1 victory at Eintracht Frankfurt.

“The players must also obey the rules,” added Soeder.

The German Football League (DFL) has said it would not sanction any players for not sticking to the guidelines at the weekend - but that could change.

Hertha coach Bruno Labbadia defended his players for their celebrations, insisting it is part of the game.

“We’ve been tested so many times that we can allow it,” said Labbadia, who was taking charge of Hertha for the first time.

“If you can’t celebrate anymore, the whole thing breaks down.”

Hertha players celebrate during their victory over Hoffenheim. Picture: AP

Meanwhile, German champions Bayern Munich returned to Bundesliga action after the coronavirus suspension with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Union Berlin behind closed doors.

Robert Lewandowski was back from injury to net a 40th-minute penalty for his league-best 26th strike of the campaign on Sunday.

Benjamin Pavard’s late header made the win safe for the visitors. Bayern are four points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, who won 4-0 against Schalke on Saturday. The pair meet in a crucial fixture in Dortmund on May 26.

Benjamin Pavard celebrates scoring Bayern’s second goal with David Alaba. Picture: Getty

Earlier, Mainz fought back from two goals down to claim a crucial point in the relegation battle with a 2-2 draw at Cologne.

A superb solo goal from Pierre Kunde earned Mainz a deserved share of the spoils in the 72nd minute shortly after Taiwo Awoniyi had brought them back into the game.

Cologne had won eight of their last 11 matches before the season was suspended in March due to the coronavirus.

Mark Uth’s early penalty and Florian Kainz’s second half header had given them the advantage.

Mainz remain four points clear of Fortuna Dusseldorf in the relegation play-off place while Cologne are midtable.

Originally published as Bundesliga returns in bizarre scenes after COVID postponement