Bayern defend Ancelotti in digit drama

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

"Basically we find the human reaction of Carlo Ancelotti with the gesture to be emotionally understandable after the nasty spitting attack," Bayern said in a statement.

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

The German soccer federation ended its investigation into the matter after Ancelotti agreed to pay 5,000 euros ($5,300) to its foundation for social work.