BVB would draw its lessons from the case, said Watzke: “We will work through the case and work with the police and everyone involved to ensure that something like this does not happen again,” he told Sport1. “As Borussia Dortmund, we have a great responsibility. We sincerely apologize.”

Dortmund, who cruised to a 4-0 triumph at their rivals, said around 150-200 fans cheered the team outside the training ground, some of whom were not wearing masks and observing social distancing guidelines.

Players celebrated with the fans – without leaving the bus – and some even filmed it.

Watzke defended his players’ reaction: “Just imagine the team going home after the triumph, the fans standing outside cheering and our players sitting like wax figures inside the bus with no facial expressions or gestures. That’s not the way either,” the 61-year-old said. “Nevertheless, we all have to obey the rules,”

“It is important, however, and I would like to emphasize this again at this point, that no player got off the bus and celebrated with the fans,” Watzke asserted.