Fans welcomed the return of football on Saturday with the Bundesliga becoming the first major league to restart.The German top flight was on hold for more than two months due to the coronavirus outbreak, but returned with six games on Saturday.The headline game was Borussia Dortmund’s clash against Schalke at an empty Signal Iduna Park.Measures were put in place in order to limit the spread of Covid-19, with managers covering their faces with masks and balls being disinfected at half-time.And one that mystified football fans was substitutes practicing social distancing on the bench.Subs were sat two metres apart as they maintained their distance.
Viewers were left confused, pointing out that social distancing, obviously, wasn't being following on the pitch.
Isn't it great to have football back, though?
Fans around the world watched on as the Bundesliga made its return, something that was acknowledged by Schalke's head of sport Jochen Schneider ahead of the game.
"All the eyes of the world will be on the Bundesliga at this moment in time," Schneider told Sky Sports News.
"We got calls and emails from big clubs in Spain and England and I know they are really hoping that we will manage the situation so that other leagues can restart as well.
"We know how important it is that we start now and that will be able to finish the season as well."
Bayern Munich lead the way at the top of the table and their coach, Hansi Flick, said the Bundesliga can "act as an example" for all other leagues.
"The whole world is watching Germany to see how we do it. It can act as an example for all leagues. Then sport in general might be able to get going again," Flick said.
"At the moment, it's important to implement things exactly as required. We have a big role model function.
"We can be happy to be able to play again. Lots of things have been done right in Germany. We've gained the confidence of the government thanks to the DFL concept."