German Bundesliga: Season Resumes After Coronavirus Shutdown

German Bundesliga: Season Resumes After Coronavirus Shutdown

May 17, 2020, 7:41 a.m.

The German Bundesliga has resumed behind closed doors, becoming the first major European football league to restart after the coronavirus shutdown.

Saturday's six games include the derby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke (4-0), with leaders Bayern Munich at Union Berlin on Sunday (17:00 BST).

The league was suspended on 13 March, with most teams having nine games left.

There is now a police presence at stadiums to ensure fans do not enter and to prevent disturbances.

Under strict health protocols, fans are banned from the stadiums, but Borussia Monchengladbach are going to have cardboard cutouts of supporters in the stands during the team's home matches.

About 300 people, including players, staff and officials, will be in or around the stadiums. Players have been tested for Covid-19 and are expected to observe social distancing off the pitch.

Bundesliga clubs returned to training in mid-April, with players initially working in groups.

Every team has been in quarantine, going from a hotel to their training ground for the week leading up to this weekend's return.

Soccer players are back but their fans are not as the German league's top division held six games on Saturday under strict new rules.

Matches have restarted after being suspended since mid-March.

Athletes have to adjust to a new routine of playing without spectators. There is no marching onto the field together, no huddles before the kickoff and no handshakes.

More on Sports

The Latest

Latest Magazine

VOL. 17, No. 17, April.12,2024 (Chaitra,30. 2080) Publisher and Editor: Keshab Prasad Poudel Online Register Number: DOI 584/074-75

VOL. 17, No. 16, March.29,2024 (Chaitra,16. 2080) Publisher and Editor: Keshab Prasad Poudel Online Register Number: DOI 584/074-75

VOL. 17, No. 15, March.10,2024 (Falgun,27. 2080) Publisher and Editor: Keshab Prasad Poudel Online Register Number: DOI 584/074-75

VOL. 17, No. 14, February.23,2024 (Falgun,11. 2080) Publisher and Editor: Keshab Prasad Poudel Online Register Number: DOI 584/074-75