Even a week after Joshua Kimmich’s confession that he had not vaccinated against Corona, the minds have not calmed down. Strong criticism came from Uwe Seeler and Paul Breitner. An ex-player also took Kimmich into protection.
It was more than a week ago that FC Bayern professional Joshua Kimmich stood in front of the camera of the pay-TV broadcaster Sky and confirmed a report in the “Bild” newspaper, which had reported that he had not yet been vaccinated. What followed was a public debate in which Kimmich was anything but good.
Many expressed their incomprehension about the fact that the national soccer player does not fulfill his role model function so well. Ironically, the athlete who declared war on the pandemic with the “We kick Corona” initiative he founded. “Each and every one of us can ensure that the corona virus does not spread further,” says the full-bodied website – but Kimmich obviously does not want to make his own contribution.
A week later, the debate has not yet subsided. On the contrary: New sporting greats keep speaking up – and sometimes go hard with the 26-year-old. Football icon Uwe Seeler showed little understanding for the refusal to vaccinate. “Kimmich is a great player and a bright head. But I find his attitude towards vaccination very strange,” said the honorary captain of the national soccer team in an interview with the German press agency.
Paul Breitner: Substantial criticism of Joshua Kimmich
Paul Breitner, himself a long-time Bayern player, was much more direct. “I don’t need to discuss with anyone whether they should get vaccinated or not,” said the soccer world champion from 1974 in the “Sunday regulars table” of the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation. “For me there is only one direction to get vaccinated. And it is not about being a role model, but about the individual. If he decides against it, then I have zero understanding for it,” said the 70-year-old. who is known for his clear statements. The Bavarian described not being vaccinated as “potential, willful bodily harm”.
Joshua Kimmich, on the other hand, received support from Lukas Podolski: “This is a discussion in Germany as if a felon had been caught,” said the former national player of the “Bild” newspaper, according to the television channel BILD-TV. “I think it’s unfair that Kimmich is portrayed as if he had committed something. He can decide for himself what to do.”
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I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
