Sunderland are at the centre of claims by a former loan player that they forced him to play whilst infected with Covid-19.
Ron-Thorben Hoffmann was on loan with the Mackems from Bayern Munich, appearing 24 times for the club. The 23-year-old claims that after contracting Covid over Christmas, he returned to a positive test, but was still forced to play.
“At the turn of the year I got infected and that changed everything,” Roker Report report him as saying. “When I came back after seven days of quarantine, I went straight back in goal – although the quick test was still slightly positive. I had to play with Corona! I played three games, but felt worse from game to game. I had dizziness and a stabbing heart, as well as shortness of breath. The adrenaline kept me pumping in the first game because I was happy to be back in goal.”
He claims the symptoms got worse, and even goes as far as to say he was scared about the possible outcome. “From the second game on, the symptoms became more severe, hardly anything worked. I told the club management that I can’t help the team at the moment and that I need to be examined more deeply. But that was taken the wrong way. There were no examinations of the heart or lungs after the infection. There were not even any more quick tests before the games. I wasn’t physically well, but the club wanted me to be tougher. I was really scared that something like happened to Alphonso Davies or Rune Jarstein [both had heart muscle inflammation] could also happen to me.”
A statement from Sunderland refutes the accusations, saying: “The report includes a number of false and inaccurate claims relating to Ron-Thorben Hoffmann and the Club has contacted the player’s representatives to clarify the comments made. SAFC complied with all Government and EFL guidance and protocols fully throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and continues to ensure the health and well-being of all staff is protected at all times.”
The keeper has yet to appear for Munich, but he has played 51 times for Bayern Munich II, their B team, who play regional football in Germany. He started 23 League One matches for the Black Cats, but just four after the turn of the year. His final two matches, during which he claims to have been infected, were a 6-0 defeat at Bolton and the 2-1 home reverse against Doncaster Rovers.
Fans have been quick to comment on the player’s claims. Some have pointed to Lee Burge being fit as a slur on the released keeper, others suggesting the player is making excuses. Of course, there’s a minority who seem to believe the player over their club.
Here’s the pick of the replies.
He claimed we made him play when he was still slightly positive, he was feeling unwell and worried he would have heart issues if he played for us.
— Lee (@Lee_b66) June 10, 2022
Must've been why we got beat when played Donny at home then.
— ᴄᴏʟ (@ColSafc86) June 10, 2022
Made him play with covid, when lee burge was available hahahah must have thought he was chod
— ryan franklin (@ryanfra06289939) June 10, 2022
No one knows his intentions, seen him up the golf course once with O’nien and he seemed lovely tbf so I’m surprised at him bad mouthing the club. Probably spitting his dummy out because he was pushed out the starting 11
— Lionel Speccy (@LionelSpeccy) June 10, 2022
Another lee Johnson disasterclass?
— MackemLad16 (@SunderlandLad10) June 10, 2022
I wish I could trust the club re this.
— General Mayhem (@Tony_young78) June 10, 2022
He couldn't catch a cold never mind COVID move on from him
— Ewan (@eb92safc) June 10, 2022
Can't be doing with
"He was shit"
"He was horrific "
He's a young lad, just the same as Patterson.
When Patterson first came into the side against Wycombe at home, he was absolutely fucking atrocious. He then continued to look shite.
Let's cut this arrogant shit.
— Sam (@Sam43799652) June 10, 2022
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