German fans react to goal gesture - linked to homophobia

The German national team midfielder scored both of Dortmund's goals against Elversberg (2–1) last Saturday and celebrated, among other things, by taking off an invisible crown and placing it on the grass.

The gesture is linked to the "Ballers in God" movement, which, according to an investigation by the television channel ARD, is accused of describing homosexuality as a sin and abortion as part of Satan's plan.

Dortmund's biggest supporter group does not appreciate the celebration.

"Dortmund is not a club that judges people based on who they love, their gender identity, where they come from, what religion they have or whether they are religious. Dortmund is a club where people from all parts of society stand together," the group writes in a statement on its website.

Nmecha celebrated with the same goal gesture when he gave Germany the lead against Curaçao in this summer's World Cup.

In the debate about the goal celebration, German national team captain Jürgen Klopp has asked for a meeting with Nmecha, according to the newspaper Kicker. Nmecha is part of the German squad for the ongoing Nations League gathering.

On Instagram, Nmecha describes the whole thing as a misunderstanding.

"My celebration is not meant to highlight myself or any organization. It is instead about laying down my 'crown' before the soon-to-return King and turning attention to Jesus, who is my hope and my strength. My message has never been about promoting intolerance, discrimination or hatred in any form," he writes.