Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin have suspended Salomon Kalou from training and matches after he posted a Facebook video breaking social distancing guidelines.
Kalou was seen shaking hands with a fellow player and interrupting a medical check of another player. The video was light in tone. His actions came on the day the Bundesliga revealed 10 of their players across 36 clubs in the top two divisions tested positive for coronavirus.
Ivory Coast international Kalou has made a statement to apologise for his actions.
“I’m sorry if I gave the impression that I’m not taking coronavirus seriously. I want to apologise for this. The reality is the exact opposite, because I’m really worried about the people of Africa, because health systems aren’t as good there as they are in Germany. I didn’t really think it through, and was excited that my tests came back negative.
"I would also like to apologise to all those, who appeared in the video, who didn’t know that I was broadcasting live and whom I didn’t want to bring into this situation.”
Hertha manager Michael Preetz said:
“With his video, Salomon Kalou has not only done a great deal of damage to Hertha BSC, but also created the impression that individual players are not taking the issue of coronavirus seriously, in a time of great discussion on the resumption of football and the role of the professional game. I would like to emphasise that we continue to notify all those involved of guidelines on hygiene and social distancing, and make them aware of consequent compliance.
"We’re clearly following the requirements of the health authorities responsible for us, as well as the recommendations of the RKI. Hertha BSC deeply regret the behaviour of Salomon Kalou. Especially since he is a player as decorated as he is experienced. However, the extent of this misconduct requires consistent action.”
A decision will be made by German authorities on Wednesday around the resumption of the football season.
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