Bundesliga restart a success but BT Sport crashing, social distancing celebrations and empty grounds leave some in doubt
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FOOTBALL showed it's fighting back against coronavirus as action returned in Germany's Bundesliga.
And there were some familiar big guns making the headlines as sports fans around the world welcomed the live action.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus in sport live blog for the latest news & updates
He watched on as Erling Haaland became the first player to score in the restart in a 4-0 home win.
And while a return to action was welcomed by most, it was a very different ball game that followed.
Such was the demand to finally watch live games, BT Sport - who have the UK rights to broadcast Bundesliga action - faced criticism after their app crashed.
With the games played behind-closed doors only stadium workers and football officials were in the stands.
And the instructions coming from the respective benches echoed around the grounds.
Many footie fans on social media likened the live action as being akin to "training sessions".
Even Crystal Palace defender Patrick van Aanholt tweeted: "Watching this Dortmund Schalke game, it's just not the same without fans energy is all out of sync."
Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas was another who pointed out the "power of the fans".
Players and coaches came out for the pre-game warm-ups wearing face coverings, but these were ditched when the action started.
There was no social distancing when it came to tackling, but there was when Haaland celebrate his opener for Dortmund - showing off a new solo celebration.
It came just moments after a Schalke player could be heard telling to "go f*** his grandmother" thanks to the silent stadium.
RB Leipzig even drafted in a raised airport gangway in order to comply with social distancing measures for their match against Freiburg.
In order to fit in all the coaches and players while maintaining the required distance between them of 1.5 metres, the gangway was necessary to extend the space available into the stand.
But fans were left baffled as to why subs were made to sit two metres apart on the bench when they would be in much closer proximity with each other on the pitch.
And there were even changes in BT Sport's coverage too - with Owen Hargreaves coming across all high and mighty.
That's because he appeared as a pundit on a big screen from his house in between two studio presenters.
The ex-England international was likened to a "dictator" by freaked out fans as he was seen in his elevated position.
One said: "Football is back, being led by Supreme Leader Hargreaves."
Chancellor Angela Merkel gave the green light for the Bundesliga - which last played on March 8 - to restart.
It was Bundesliga 2 that kicked off the action earlier in the day - and it started in the craziest of fashion.
Erzgebirge Aue defeated Sandhausen 3-1 - with the opening goal and a red card coming in the first FOUR minutes.
Dennis Diekmeier was shown a straight red card for a professional foul in the area for the visitors.
Bundesliga top-flight scores
Dortmund 4-0 Schalke
Erling Haaland became the top flight's first scorer since the restart as the title-chasers romped home.
Leipzig 1 Freiburg 1
Poulsen rescued a point for Leipzig as their title chase immediately faltered.
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Hoffenheim 0 Hertha Berlin 3
Three second-half goals saw Hertha spring a shock at Hoffenheim.
Fortuna 0-0 Paderborn
Fans were perhaps glad they were made to stay away from this bore draw that does little for either's team's fight from the drop.
Augsburg 2 Wolfsburg 2
Ginczek wins it for Wolfsburg in injury-time to break Augsburg hearts.
