Bayern defends Ancelotti for middle-finger gesture

MUNICH (AP):

Bayern Munich have defended coach Carlo Ancelotti for raising his middle finger to Hertha Berlin fans after supposedly being spat at following a dramatic 1-1 draw in the Bundesliga.

Bayern says "basically, we find the human reaction of Carlo Ancelotti with the gesture to be emotionally understandable after the nasty spitting attack".

Robert Lewandowski's injury-time equaliser for Bayern on Saturday prompted altercations between Bayern and Hertha players in a heated atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium.

The German federation ended its investigation into the matter after Ancelotti agreed to pay €5,000 to its foundation for social work.

In 2014, Norbert Duewel, then-coach of second-division club Union Berlin, was fined €3,500 for raising his middle finger in a 4-1 loss at home against 1860 Munich.