Bayern teenager Lennart Karl apologises for shushing Elversberg fans
Bayern Munich moved into fourth place in the Bundesliga after Harry Kane’s late goal secured victory away to a newly promoted side, but the afternoon also brought an apology from teenage scorer Karl following his celebration for the opening goal.
Karl put Bayern ahead in the 26th minute when he arrived at the back post to turn in Ismael Saibari’s low cross. The delivery had taken a touch off Kane before reaching the youngster, who then held a finger to his lips in front of the home support. The gesture was met with sustained boos from the stands for the rest of the match.
The hosts responded after the interval through Maurice Krattenmacher, whose curling finish brought them level and underlined the difficulty of Bayern’s visit. Kane eventually settled the contest with a late winner, ensuring all three points for Vincent Kompany’s team and marking Joshua Kimmich’s 500th competitive appearance for the club.
Karl apologises for celebration
Speaking after the final whistle, Karl said there had been no intention to antagonise the home crowd. He described the reaction as a product of the moment and apologised to supporters who took offence.
“It was emotion,” Karl said. “I’m sorry if it was misunderstood; that was not what I meant.” He added that such moments can be part of football, while reiterating his apology to the home fans.
The winger also acknowledged that fortune had played a part in his goal, saying he had been well positioned at the far post as the ball ran through to him before he finished the chance.
The result left Bayern on seven points from their first three league matches. They return to the Allianz Arena on Friday to face Union Berlin, with Kane one strike away from becoming the quickest player to reach 100 Bundesliga goals.
