Sunderland have branded allegations in the German media attributed to loanee goalkeeper Thorben Hoffmann that he was asked to play while suffering from Covid as 'false and inaccurate'. Bayern Munich man Hoffmann told German newspaper Bild Sport that after contracting Covid at the turn of the year and serving a seven-day quarantine period, he resumed playing even though the 'quick test was still slightly positive. I had to play with Corona!'
He went on to say that he played three games, despite feeling 'dizziness' and a 'stabbing [pain in the] heart as well as shortness of breath'. Hoffmann later returned to Germany for a medical examination, but did not play again for the club as youngster Anthony Patterson established himself as first-choice goalkeeper under new boss Alex Neil when he took over in February.
But Sunderland have rejected Hoffmann's version of events, releasing a statement saying: 'Sunderland AFC categorically refutes the allegations published earlier today in German newspaper Bild Sport. 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.
