The German Bundesliga is the first of the major European leagues to resume action following suspension due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Some leagues, including the French Ligue 1 and Dutch Eredivisie have decided to end their season early but other leagues including the English Premier League and Spanish La Liga are still hoping to resume. So, what was it like in the Bundesliga with the new regulations in place?
Firstly, it is great to have a top professional football league back in action. Seeing the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Thiago, Erling Braut Håland, Thorgen Hazard, Timo Werner and Marcus Thuram playing again was fantastic. The majority of the teams contesting the title hit the ground running, with only RB Leipzig being the team to miss out having been held to a 1-1 draw at home with Freiburg.
But how was the overall experience?
Firstly, there were no fans allowed inside the stadium and this made for a rather strange atmosphere. There was a maximum of 300 people allowed into each stadium. These were split into three different areas with 100 into the interior of the stadium, 100 into the concourse and 100 around the perimeter of the ground. Everyone who entered the stadium had to go through a series of checks including having their temperature taken and masks being worn.
There were no handshakes before the game or team photos. Once the matches started you could clearly hear the sound of the players kicking the ball. This is not something we are used to hearing when watching football on television. The tackles and screams of the players as they were fouled could also be clearly heard by those watching the live pictures.
Celebrations following goals have also changed and there were no group hugs or sliding on the floor together. Players were forced to stand back and congratulate each other from a distance or touch arms instead of giving a high-five. However, there was one incident in the match between Hoffenheim and Hertha Berlin. Matheus Cunha scored a tremendous goal and his teammates could not help themselves but to begin celebrating with the player. It is believed the club and the player will only receive a warning from the Bundesliga but it cannot be seen to happen again or the punishment will be stronger.
One glance at the substitutes bench saw players socially distancing by sitting two metres apart and wearing facemasks. Television interviews with managers were conducted with social distancing enforced and a microphone covered in a plastic sheet.
Clearly the lack of atmosphere inside the stadium is far from ideal. However, all of the matches were played with plenty of desire, with tackles flying in and yellow cards being handed out by the referees. Overall, the return of the Bundesliga was a success and it will be interesting to see if other leagues in Europe and around the world follow their lead.
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