THIS is the mad moment former Manchester City star Dedryck Boyata broke coronavirus rules by KISSING a team-mate on football’s return from lockdown.
Boyata planted a smacker on on-loan Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic in Hertha Berlin’s 3-0 behind-closed-doors Bundesliga win at Hoffenheim.
Hertha’s Boyata appeared to kiss team-mate Grujic but incredibly escaped any punishmentCredit: AFP or licensors
Monchengladbach’s Thuram appeared to kiss his team-mate
But, incredibly, he was defended by his coach and will not face any punishment — despite Augsburg boss Heiko Herrlich being banned for leaving his team’s hotel to buy toothpaste and skin cream.
Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram – son of France legend Lilian – was also seen appearing to kiss a team-mate.
Thuram looked to peck his fellow player on the cheek after scoring his side’s second against Frankfurt.
Any contact outside of challenges is banned – and subs have even been made to sit two metres apart.
Boyata’s moment of stupidity came on the day Watford boss Nigel Pearson raised fears of a Covid-19 death in the Premier League, claiming: “People are closing their eyes to the threat. God forbid we have a fatality.”
BUN AND GAMES: SunSport’s verdict on Bundesliga’s big day back
Premier League chiefs are aware of yesterday’s incident and will urge their players not to repeat it when English top-flight football returns in June.
But new Hertha coach Bruno Labbadia insisted: “I hope people understand this. It is only a recommendation to hold back.
Dortmund stars celebrated while trying to respect social distancing guidelinesCredit: Getty – Pool
“We have tested negative six times, most recently yesterday. Emotions are also a part of it.”
Bundesliga players emerged from tunnels wearing face masks, there were no handshakes and they are prohibited from celebrating as a team.
Hertha’s ex-Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou has already been banned by the club for filming himself barging in on a team-mate’s Covid-19 test.
Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach are finding a novel way of filling their stadium
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
