African Bundesliga Star Suspended

Former Chelsea star Salomon Kalou has been suspended by Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin for posting a video breaking various COVID-19 rules.

The Ivorian forward continued Facebook live, where he was seen breaking social distancing regulatons and interrupting coronavirus a test.

Therefore, the Bundesliga top flight club have finally made a decision to suspend the 34-year-old winger from training and matches.

Club statement:

Along with his video, Salomon Kalou gave the impression that Hertha BSC’s players aren't taking the mandatory social distancing and hygiene guidelines of health services seriously. Hertha BCS wish to clarify these were the actions of 1 individual player. The actual fact that other associates didn't draw his focus on this transgression, and instead returned the greeting with a handshake, helps it be clear that rules on social distancing should be enforced with even greater intensity.

Hertha BSC’s players remain put into four groups of eight during workout sessions. These groups follow a precise plan while moving around, in complete compliance with social distancing guidelines. In addition, players are being repeatedly informed on said health guidelines. Salomon Kalou was tempted by his negative test outcomes to greet the other players in the dressing room, sometimes with a handshake, unlike the clear announcements created by health authorities.

Along with his “Corona Song”, Kalou gave the impression that he's unaware of the extent of the ongoing pandemic. Therefore, Salomon Kalou, would you much charity work in his home country of Ivory Coast, want to make the next statement; “I’m sorry easily gave the impression that I’m not taking coronavirus seriously. I wish to apologise for this. The reality is the precise opposite, because I’m really concerned about the people of Africa, because health systems aren’t nearly as good there because they are in Germany. I didn’t think it through, and was excited that my tests returned negative. I'd also prefer to apologise to all or any those, who appeared in the video, who didn’t understand that I was broadcasting live and whom I didn’t want to bring into this example.”

With this video taken inside 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 a decision to suspend the player involved from training and matches with immediate effect.

The discussion on partially waiving the salaries of the Hertha BSC’s professional players was due to incorrect calculations. These have since been corrected. These measures were openly discussed in coordination with everyone, and supported by each of the players. There is no internal criticism. On the other hand, every person welcomed these measures.