A Christian group of footballers say they want to “show love and respect to everyone” following criticism from Borussia Dortmund fans over midfielder Félix Nmecha’s goal celebration.
A group of supporters said they objected to Nmecha’s goal celebration because it referenced a Ballers in God campaign called “The Return of the King.”
The supporters group said, external the campaign discriminates against homosexuality and transgender people, describes abortion as “Satan’s plan” and is in contradiction with Dortmund’s values of tolerance and respect for diversity.
To celebrate his two goals in the 2-1 win over Elversberg on Saturday, Nmecha pointed to the sky and mimed removing a crown from his head and placing it on the ground.
He said there were “misunderstandings” about his celebration and that it was “not intended to promote me or any organization.”
Citing a recent investigation by German broadcaster ARD, the fan group said that “extremely conservative positions against homosexuality and transgender identity are advocated” by the campaign.
Ballers in God, external was created by former Crystal Palace and Tottenham midfielder John Bostock.
The organization promotes Christian beliefs and has high-profile followers such as Englishmen Marc Guehi and Bukayo Saka and former Brazilian striker Kaka.
Responding to the supporters group’s claims, Ballers in God said: “We are encouraged by player-led movements such as The King’s Return, where footballers themselves take the initiative to express their faith in Jesus.
“Our desire is not only to share our hope, but to show love and respect to everyone, including those who do not share our beliefs.
“Our goal has always been and always will be to point people to Jesus with grace and love.”
Nmecha said: “My message has never been to promote intolerance, discrimination or hatred in any form. »
Last year, the Premier League withdrew from the Rainbow Laces campaign and ended its partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall.
In 2024, then Ipswich captain Sam Morsy, a Muslim, said he did not wear a rainbow armband due to his “religious beliefs”.
Guehi wrote “I (heart) Jesus” on his rainbow armband when he was Palace captain.
Manchester United abandoned plans to wear a jacket supporting the LGBTQ+ community because a player refused.
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