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Attacker Solomon Kalou was on Monday suspended by Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin after filming himself on Facebook live flouting Covid-19 regulations.
The former Chelsea player filmed himself making light of the global pandemic and social distancing regulations as football prepares to return in Germany at the end of May.
The Ivorian was seen shaking hands and even interrupted a teammate's screening test for the virus with his actions labelled as "absolutely unacceptable" by the league.
A Hertha Berlin statement read: "Salomon Kalou was tempted by his negative test results to greet the other players in the dressing room, sometimes with a handshake, contrary to the clear announcements made by health authorities.
"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 displayed 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."
This comes at a crucial time when the German football association's (DFL) plans to resume matches will be met with government approval in a meeting on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old striker later apologised on the club's website 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."
Shaking hands with teammates, publicizing pay cut complaints, and breaking #coronavirus hygiene rules. Salomon #Kalou has been suspended by Hertha Berlin.
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) May 4, 2020
The Facebook Live everyone is talking about:#HaHoHe pic.twitter.com/Ze6rr5ZJQ4
