COLOGNE’S famous goat mascot will be BANNED from their stadium for first time in 12 years due to new Bundesliga hygiene rules.
The German side have had the animal, called Hennes, at every home game since 1950 – and last missed a match in 2008.
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Cologne’s mascot, Hennes the goat, will have to stay away from their game against Mainz this weekend
Cologne have had a goat mascot at games since 1950
Hennes the ninth – in his first season as club mascot – has had eight predecessors since the club introduced goat mascots 70 years ago.
But owing to new hygiene rules implemented by German Football League (DFL) chiefs, the goat will be forced to stay away.
He will now be kept at Kolner Zoo until Bundesliga restrictions are lifted.
For now, only 322 people will be allowed in and around stadiums on match-days under strict new rules.
In fact, ALL mascots across German football will be barred from entering stadiums for the foreseeable future.
The DFL claim “personal hygiene measures are the most important actions for protecting against infection”.
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That means Eintracht Frankfurt’s mascot – Attila the eagle – will also be banned from making his game-day appearance.
The incredible bird traditionally swoops around their stadium ahead of games, whipping the crowd into a frenzy.
Bundesliga matches get back underway this Saturday, with Cologne – nicknamed the Billy Goats and whose club crest also includes a goat – hosting Mainz on Sunday at the RheinEnergieStadion.
The club have had a goat mascot ever since 1950, when they were gifted one by the circus.
It picked up its name, Hennes, after staff decided to name it after then-coach Hennes Weisweller.
Hennes XIII retired last summer due to age-related osteoarthritis
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The latest addition, Hennes IX, only got his career as club mascot up and running this season after his predecessor was retired due to age-related osteoarthritis.
Last summer, Cologne managing director Alexander Wehrle revealed: “We do not want our club mascot ever having to stand in pain in the stadium.
“After promotion and the upcoming new season, it is now the perfect conclusion and time for Hennes VIII to enjoy his retirement.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
