Former Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou is bracing himself for a hefty fine after being caught vandalising Germany’s iconic Berlin Wall.
Footage has emerged of the Hertha Berlin forward chiseling off a piece of the famous monument, which divided the capital from 1961-89, for a segment with a local television station.
However, the Wall has been under a protection order since 1991 and the 29-year-old is facing a fine of up to £7,000 for the incident.
The chairman of the East Side Gallery – an international memorial for freedom – has said that Kalou’s high-profile status should not excuse him from the act.
Kani Alavi told Berliner Kurier newspaper: “I nearly fell off the sofa when I saw the footage.
“Here we have a well-paid celebrity increasing his market value at the expense of a national monument. Without respect. And with the clear backing of television.
“Just because there is no security patrolling the Gallery, doesn’t mean you can go around doing what you want.
“If he had done that at the Brandenburg Gate, the player would probably have been arrested.”
Kalou spent six years at Stamford Bridge, helping the club to one Premier League crown(2009-10) and four FA Cup titles (2007, 2009, 2010, 2012).