Germany accepts ‘the kiss’; Spain to start group training
BERLIN:HERTHA Berlin player won’t be punished for hugging and kissing as they enjoyed a muchneeded victory when German football resumed on Saturday, the Bundesliga confirmed after the match. In order to obtain the government green light to resume this weekend, the Bundesliga agreed strict rules to avoid the spread of Covid-19.
Yet, while players in other games celebrated with elbow taps or solo dance routines, Hertha’s players hugged and kissed as they won, 3-0, in Hoffenheim. Hertha started the game 13th in the table with only seven wins in 25 games and under new management. Their Belgian defender Dedryck Boyata kissed team-mate Marko Grujic on the cheek after their team’s first goal. “The fact is that this is part of football,” said Bruno Labbadia, who was named as Jurgen Klinsmann’s replacement during the lockdown. “We’ve been tested so many times that we can allow it.”
“If you can’t celebrate anymore, the whole thing breaks down. I’m just glad that the team had reason to cheer today. Emotions are part of the game.”
The German Football League (DFL) had presented the German authorities with a 51-page document, which convinced the government that football could be allowed to resume behind closed doors. In an accompanying document sent to clubs, the DFL said hugging and hand contact in celebration of goals should be avoided and that preference should be given to “elbow or foot contact”. But on Saturday, a DFL spokesman confirmed there would be no punishment, as it had only offered “guidelines” on how goals should be celebrated. “For celebrations, only advice has been given and therefore there can be no sanctions,” DFL said.
Meanwhile, clubs in Spain’s top two divisions will begin training in small groups from Monday. La Liga has informed clubs they could start training in groups of up to 10 players.
Players from all top-flight and second division clubs had returned to their training grounds earlier this month for the first time since all organised football in Spain was provisionally suspended in early March. La Liga president Javier Tebas said last week he hoped the season could resume from June 12, but for that to happen all regions where matches are taking place must enter phase two. The provinces of Madrid and Barcelona are currently in phase zero of the state of emergency, meaning La Liga leaders Barcelona and nearest challengers Real Madrid will be unable to begin matches until restrictions are eased.
In Italy, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said he needs “more guarantees” before the green light can finally be given for the resumption of Serie A. Clubs have already suggested June 13 as a date for the championship to restart while group training will get underway on Monday. However, there are splits over how to proceed.
Many clubs consider that the health protocol, drawn up by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), following recommendations of the government’s technical and scientific committee, is impossible to enforce.
Two points are proving particularly problematic. The first concerns the logistical difficulties for clubs to try and organise a twoweek group training period. Players would theoretically have to train together, then eat and sleep at the training centre or a hotel entirely available to the team to avoid any risk of contagion.
Many clubs do not have these facilities. The second concerns the government insistence on quarantine for the entire team and staff, in the event of a positive test.