Bundesliga restart a success with social distancing celebrations, empty grounds 

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.

Jadon Sancho was only named on the bench for Borussia Dortmund against Schalke – coming on for the last 11 minutes.

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”.

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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.”

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.