Felix Nmecha denies goal celebrations promote ‘intolerance, discrimination and hate’

Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha has responded to criticism of goal celebrations linked to an evangelical network by saying they’ve been misunderstood and are not meant to promote “intolerance, discrimination, or hate in any form.”

Nmecha, a devout Christian, was criticised by the Dortmund official supporters’ group at the weekend for celebrating goals with a gesture signifying the “The King’s Return” campaign linked to Ballers in God (BIG), a network of Christian football players. The German public broadcaster ARD has linked BIG to ultra-conservative positions on issues including homosexuality and transgender identity.

“My celebration is not intended to promote myself or any organisation,” Nmecha wrote in a social media post on Tuesday. “Rather, it is about laying my ‘crown’ before the soon coming King and pointing to Jesus, my hope and strength. My message has never been about promoting intolerance, discrimination, or hate in any form.

“As Christians, our message is one of love and respect for everyone, regardless of where they come from, what they believe, or what their worldview may be.”

In a statement, Dortmund official supporters’ group said: “We oppose religious networks that, under the guise of faith, propagate a worldview in which individuals are denigrated or excluded based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, way of life, or personal choices”.

Dortmund said on Sunday that it understood the fans’ concerns and would speak to Nmecha. “For Borussia Dortmund, it is essential to take the concerns and needs of the fanbase seriously and to address them,” read a statement. “Naturally, we also take the current media coverage and the associated questions and discussions very seriously.”

News agency DPA reported that Jürgen Klopp, Germany’s head coach, has already spoken to Nmecha about the issue at the national team camp in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, before upcoming Nations League games.