So far the majority of the sports leagues and organizations across the globe is been observing a shut down as an initiative to minimize the spread of the coronavirus, however, there have been athletes who aren’t able to identify the seriousness of the global pandemic.
❌ Lamentable. La broma de Diego Costa en plena crisis por el coronavirus. #ElChiringuitoDeMega pic.twitter.com/nvB2OJEJX9
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) March 12, 2020
So was the case with Atletico Madrid’s striker. Atletico Madrid criticized its striker Diego Costa for coughing on reporters after the Champions League win over Liverpool.
The matter was brought in to notice after a video started circulating on social media where Costa can be seen laughing and aiming coughs in the direction of reporters gathered in Anfield’s mixed zone.
Diego Costa just walked through the mixed zone fake coughing at everyone as he went down the line. Not particularly funny or appropriate.
— Carl Markham (@carlmarkham) March 11, 2020
The joke has drawn a combination of responses however majority of them criticized the Spanish forward, including his own club Atletico.
“Obviously Diego’s actions were unfortunate and the club condemns his action,”
Atletico told CNN in a statement.
“It’s a pity that some people find it difficult to understand the significance of this crisis. The player has repented and apologized when he realized his mistake.”
Prior to Costa, Utah Jazz’s All-star center Rudy Gobert also faced repercussions from the public earlier this week, after he jokingly touched all the microphones and recorders following a press conference.
Gobert eventually was tested positive for coronavirus, while the NBA has postponed its season.
In a public apology released on Instagram on Thursday, Gobert expressed regret for his actions.
“I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis … mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment,”
“The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse.”
Gobert wrote on his official Instagram account.
