The key facts

  • Klopp said Nmecha assured him the gesture was not directed at anyone and that the celebration will not be repeated
  • The celebration was linked to the 'The King's Return' campaign of the Christian group of footballers Ballers in God
  • The match against Serbia will take place under a partial spectator ban: around 5,000 children under 15 in a stadium with a capacity of 55,000

Klopp spoke about his conversation with Nmecha

Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp, at a press conference in Belgrade ahead of the Nations League qualifier against Serbia, commented on the discussion surrounding the goal celebrations of midfielder Felix Nmecha. After scoring two goals in Borussia Dortmund's winning match against Elversberg (2:1), the 26-year-old player mimed taking a crown off his head and, dropping to his knees, placing it on the ground.

The essence of the dispute

Many saw the gesture as a reference to the 'The King's Return' campaign of the Christian organization of footballers Ballers in God (BIG). The group itself states that it seeks to 'show love and respect to everyone,' but critics claim it discriminates against queer and transgender people.

The coach's statement

Klopp said that at first he did not attach any significance to the celebration, but as the discussion intensified he began looking into the details. According to him, he asked Nmecha the same questions journalists might have asked, and the player replied that it 'had nothing to do with that,' that he loves all people and discriminates against no one. Klopp also said that Nmecha agreed not to repeat the celebration.

Sporting context and spectator restrictions

In Friday's match, Germany, sitting third in Group A2 with 5 points, trail the Netherlands and Greece, who have 8 points each, but still have a chance of reaching the Nations League quarter-finals. Serbia, who lost 0:2 in Munich a month ago, are still without a win. Klopp added that the team 'prepared well' and is aiming for a 'final' in the last group game against the Netherlands on Monday in Berlin.

Match under a partial spectator ban

The game in Belgrade was originally supposed to be played behind closed doors due to UEFA sanctions against Serbia for racist and discriminatory behaviour by fans, but a UEFA rule allows the presence of a selected group of guests: children under 15 accompanied by teachers or football coaches are expected to be admitted to the stands. A representative of the Football Association of Serbia told the DPA agency that around 5,000 guests are expected in a stadium with a capacity of 55,000. The German Football Association has been allocated only 50 tickets for fans. Klopp expressed disappointment that only a few thousand children will get into the stadium.