German league restart draws global audiences - but players reminded to keep distance

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The Bundesliga drew bumper global audiences for its restart at the weekend behind closed doors, but a top league official said the players will be reminded to maintain social distancing even during goal celebrations.

Germany's top-flight became the first top European league to resume after a two-month hiatus, behind closed doors and surrounded by draconian hygiene measures.

But despite the restrictions, the weekend's matches passed off without problems. Players and staff were regularly tested for the COVID-19 virus in the weeks before the games, while the small number of accredited officials and media members had their temperatures checked before being allowed into stadiums.

Police fears that fans would gather outside the grounds did not materialise.

"There was a big sense of relief," the CEO of the international arm of the Bundesliga, Robert Klein, told AFP and other media Monday.

"We want to finish the season, but are aware there is a big responsibility that we do this correctly.

"There was an enthusiasm to see top-flight football again.

"Someone said to me, 'it looks like the eyes of the world are on the Bundesliga' and I think that was true.

"We were trending in Colombia, Ghana, South Africa and Asia."
- 'Rollercoaster' -
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"They are there for the clubs to implement. I am speaking to the clubs day in, day out to remind them of what needs to be done so we have the right to go to a second or third matchday."
Following Bayern Munich's 2-0 win at Union Berlin on Sunday, Thomas Mueller reminded his fellow pros of their duty as role models: "I think we are now more strictly under observation than the rest of Germany."
- 'Happy to share' -
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