Antonio Rudiger has aired his disgust at two French doctors who suggested using African people to test potential coronavirus vaccines live on TV, after three former Chelsea strikers also used their social media platforms to criticise Dr Jean Paul Mira and Dr Camille Locht.
The German centre back said the doctors’ comments, made on the LCI station on Thursday, was “racism at its highest level” after Didier Drogba, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto’o also spoke out.
Mira, who is the head of resuscitation services at Cochin Hospital in Paris said: “This may be controversial, but shouldn't we do a study in Africa where they do not have masks, treatments or resuscitation?
“A little of this is done in AIDS studies where they use prostitutes to test some things because they know that they are highly exposed and do not protect themselves."
Locht, director of research at the French Institute of Health and Medical research replied: "You are right, we are thinking of a parallel study in Africa... I think there is a request for a proposal."
In response, Rudiger posted on Twitter: "It took me some time to find some words for these guys ...Two French doctors suggest on TV to carry on experiment for Covid-19 vaccine in Africa ... like the Africans are some sort of animals!?!? Disgraceful!
“This is racism at its highest level and a terrible statement against all the black-skinned ... How was this even allowed to be broadcasted on French TV?? AfricansAreNotLabRats ”
Drogba also used his Twitter account to air similar sentiments. “It is totally inconceivable we keep on cautioning this," the Chelsea legend wrote. "Africa isn’t a testing lab. I would like to vividly denounce those demeaning, false and most of all deeply racist words.
“Help us save Africa with the current ongoing covid-19 and flatten the curve. Let us save ourselves from this crazy virus that is plummeting the world economy and ravaging populations health worldwide. Do not take African people as human guinea pigs! It’s absolutely disgusting.
"African leaders have a responsibility to protect their populations from those horrendous conspiracies. May god protect us!"
The Senegal international Ba, who spent a little more than a season at Stamford Bridge, went one step further and wrote: “Welcome to the West, where white people believe themselves to be so superior that racism and stupidity have become commonplace. TIME TO RISE.”
Eto’o’s response was straight to the point, simply posting: “You son’s of b*****s...You are just s***. Africa isn't yours to play with.”
