This archive report was first published on 4 May 2020.
On May 4, 2020, the German Football League (DFL) condemned the actions of former Chelsea attacker Salomon Kalou, who was suspended by his club Hertha Berlin for violating coronavirus social distancing rules.
Kalou, a 34-year-old Ivory Coast international, was seen in a video shaking hands with teammates and club employees, despite the stringent hygiene measures put in place by the German league to secure the green light to restart its season.
Hertha Berlin immediately suspended Kalou, stating that his actions were 'absolutely unacceptable.'
Kalou, who won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2010, apologized for his actions, citing his involvement in health projects in his homeland and expressing concern for the people in Africa who lack access to good medical care.
'I am sorry if my behaviour has given the impression that I do not take Corona seriously. I would like to apologise for this,' Kalou said.
He added, 'The opposite is true, because I am particularly concerned about the people in Africa, because the medical care there is by far not as good as in Germany.'
As the Bundesliga aims to restart its season from May 16, mass testing of players and backroom staff has produced 10 positive results.
