Covid-19 effect: Team to be without goat mascot for the first time in 12 years

Goat Hennes VIII, the mascot of FC Cologne waits for the start of the German first division Bundesliga soccer match against Werder Bremen in Cologne, April 7, 2012 [REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach]

Cologne will be without their mascot, Hennes the goat, for the first time in 12 years when they resume their Bundesliga season on Sunday against Mainz 05, with the animal having fallen victim to strict health regulations.

The Bundesliga becomes the first major sports league to restart on Saturday after a break of more than two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic but games will be played in empty stadiums.