Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has been scathing in his assessment of the whistles and jeers Mats Hummels received on his return to Borussia Dortmund, ESPN FC reports.
The Germany international, 27, made his competitive debut for Bayern for the second time in the DFB Supercup match against Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park, in what was a comfortable 2-0 win for Carlo Ancelotti's men.
But the win was marred by the relentless booing of Hummels, with every touch greeted with utter contempt from the fans who used to adore him. The 27-year-old spent eight successful years donning the black and yellow jersey, with his spell coinciding with two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final appearance.
Their hostile reception has been labelled by Rummenigge as a "catastrophe" after the service Hummels provided in his eight years.
"Nothing is so hard as man's ingratitude," Bayern's CEO told reporters. "It's a catastrophe how Hummels was treated."
Hummels, however, was more diplomatic with his thoughts on his treatment. The defender revealed he understands the fans' ire and was fully prepared for the reception.
"I expected it," Hummels said. "I've already said that I can totally understand it. I don't have any problem with it, it's just very emotional here."
Hummels is one of a few to have made the controversial switch to Bavaria. Mario Gotze is another, but his move to the Bundesliga champions lasted just three seasons after niggling injuries and poor form led to his £21m return to Dortmund.
But the World Cup winner was left on the bench for the match against his former side in what would have been his second debut for Dortmund.
However, Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel told reporters that he is easing the attacking midfielder back in after just joining training this month.
When quizzed on Gotze's omission, Tuchel responded: "It was not planned to play him.
"Our preparation was and will not be designed for giving playing time to those who have only just joined training but rather for giving playing time to those who have been training for four, five weeks."