This archive report was first published on 24 May 2020.
On May 23, 2020, a dramatic turn of events unfolded in the world of German football. Dimitrij Nazarov, a 30-year-old Azerbaijan midfielder playing for Erzgebirge Aue, scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory against Nuremberg.
However, what followed was not a typical celebration. Nazarov, in a heartwarming display of gratitude, ignored coronavirus health protocols to hug his team manager, Thomas Romeyke, who also doubles as the team's bus driver.
Speaking to broadcaster MDR on Saturday, Nazarov expressed his hope that the DFL (German Football League) would turn a blind eye to the breach of health protocols. He acknowledged that the actions were not allowed but hoped for some humanity in the matter.
The incident occurred when the team bus was hit by flying vehicle parts from an accident on the motorway. Romeyke's quick thinking and emergency braking saved the lives of the Aue players, who were uninjured in the incident.
The driver and passenger in the other vehicle, however, were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
The top two leagues in Germany had restarted last weekend after a two-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 virus. The DFL's strict hygiene guidelines discourage players from making contact during goal celebrations.
Despite this, the league has already stated that there will be no sanctions for those who forget the protocol.
