Felix Nmecha rejects claim his goal celebrations promote ‘intolerance, discrimination and hate’

Felix Nmecha denied on Tuesday in a social media post that his goal celebrations linked to an evangelical network were intended to promote "intolerance, discrimination, or hate" after criticism from Borussia Dortmund's official supporters' group at the weekend. He wrote that the gesture is not about promoting himself or any organisation.

Nmecha, described in reports as a devout Christian, celebrated goals with a gesture associated with the "The King’s Return" campaign linked to Ballers in God (BIG). The German public broadcaster ARD has linked BIG to ultra-conservative positions on issues including homosexuality and transgender identity. The celebrations drew criticism from Dortmund's official supporters' group over the weekend, prompting club comment.

"My celebration is not intended to promote myself or any organisation," Nmecha wrote in his social media post. "Rather, it is about laying my 'crown' before the soon coming King and pointing to Jesus, my hope and strength. My message has never been about promoting intolerance, discrimination, or hate in any form."

He continued in the same post: "As Christians, our message is one of love and respect for everyone, regardless of where they come from, what they believe, or what their worldview may be."

In response to the celebrations, Dortmund's official supporters' group said: "We oppose religious networks that, under the guise of faith, propagate a worldview in which individuals are denigrated or excluded based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, way of life, or personal choices". Borussia Dortmund released a statement on Sunday acknowledging the fans' concerns and saying it would address them: "For Borussia Dortmund, it is essential to take the concerns and needs of the fanbase seriously and to address them," read a statement. "Naturally, we also take the current media coverage and the associated questions and discussions very seriously."

News agency DPA reported that Jürgen Klopp, Germany’s head coach, has already spoken to Nmecha about the issue at the national team camp in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, before upcoming Nations League games.

Borussia Dortmund has said it will speak to Nmecha and that it is treating the media coverage and fan concerns seriously, while DPA reported the national team coach has held discussions with the player at the camp ahead of the upcoming Nations League games.