Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha will not use the controversial goal celebration that caused a backlash during Borussia Dortmund’s match when he plays for the national team, coach Jurgen Klopp has said.
Nmecha scored both goals in Dortmund’s 2-1 victory over Elversberg last week. After each goal, he made a gesture appearing to show him removing a crown from his head and placing it on the ground.
The celebration was interpreted by many supporters as a reference to the “The King’s Return” campaign, which is associated with Ballers in God (BIG), a network of Christian football players. Critics have claimed the campaign discriminates against homosexuality and transgender people.
Klopp said he had spoken to the 26-year-old about the incident before Germany’s Nations League match against Serbia on Friday.
“It was a big issue,” Klopp told a news conference. “Last weekend I saw Felix score two great goals and saw the celebration and then the gesture. I did think nothing of it at the time. But then it all kicked off.”
The Germany coach said Nmecha had explained his position and insisted that he did not discriminate against anyone.
“He told me he loves all people and discriminated against no one, so for me the most important issue was settled,” Klopp said.
Klopp added that he then discussed whether the gesture should be used while Nmecha was representing Germany.
“Then I said: ‘How do we do it with the goal celebration?’. He will not be celebrating like that.”