SALOMON KALOU has been suspended by Hertha Berling after filming himself singing a “corona song”, flouting social distancing rules and moaning about pay cuts.
Bundesliga chiefs were hoping football in the German top-flight could return later THIS month after lockdown measures in the country were eased.
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Salomon Kalou has been suspended after live-streaming himself flouting social distancing rules
Kalou barged in on a team-mate’s coronavirus test
But Hertha Berlin star Kalou, 34, may have set them back a few weeks at least with an ill-timed Facebook Live video.
In the lengthy clip, the former Chelsea star is seen fist-bumping team-mates and staff and even barging in on a pal’s medical check-up.
Defender Jordan Torunarigha was seen having what appeared to be his test for coronavirus – with Kalou having seen his result come back negative.
On realising Kalou was filming, the doctor administering the test quickly says: “Sala, please. Sala, delete that, please.”
Kalou simply claimed he was “only joking”.
In the video, he is also heard singing a “corona song”, while criticising the club’s decision to slash wages, adding: “They took 11 per cent. Why are they f***ing with us?'”
His actions came after ten players in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 tested positive – including three from Cologne – in a setback for German football’s return.
KALOU SUSPENDED
Kalou has been suspended by his club with immediate effect.
In a statement, Hertha Berlin wrote: “Hertha BSC would like to clarify that these were the actions of one individual player.
“With his ‘Corona Song’, Kalou gave the impression that he is not aware of the extent of the ongoing pandemic.
“With this video taken inside the team’s dressing room, Kalou broke clear internal rules and display a behaviour, which is neither appropriate for this current situation, nor reflective of the code of conduct of Hertha BSC.
“The club has therefore made the decision to suspend the player in question from training and matches with immediate effect.”
I didn’t really think it through, and was excited that my tests came back negative.
Salomon Kalou
Meanwhile, Kalou – who deleted the video – apologised by saying he was just excited to have seen his test for coronavirus come back negative.
Kalou said: “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 Berlin’s general manager, Michael Preetz, added: “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.
Kalou has been suspended with immediate effect
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“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.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
