Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou has been suspended by Hertha Berlin after appearing to intentionally flout social distancing rules live on social media.
Kalou shook hands with team-mates and appeared to make light of guidelines imposed to fight the coronavirus pandemic after clubs in Germany's top two divisions reported for Covid-19 tests as part of plans to resume the Bundesliga.
The Ivory Coast international filmed himself interrupting a team-mate's test on Facebook Live - behaviour described as "absolutely unacceptable" by the league.
A Hertha 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."
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."
In a statement on the club's official website, Kalou apologised for his actions.
The 34-year-old, who spent six seasons at Stamford Bridge, 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.
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"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."
Additional reporting from Press Association
