A Christian group for footballers says it wants to “demonstrate love and respect towards everyone” following criticism from fans of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha’s goal celebration.
A supporters’ group said it objected to midfielder Felix Nmecha’s goal celebration because it referenced a campaign by Ballers in God called ‘The King’s Return’.
The supporters’ group said, external the campaign discriminates against homosexuality and transgender people, paints abortion as “Satan’s plan” and is at odds with Dortmund’s values of tolerance and respecting diversity.
To celebrate his two goals in the 2-1 win over Elversberg on Saturday, Nmecha pointed to the sky and mimed taking a crown off his head and placing it on the ground.
He said there were “misunderstandings” over his celebration and that it was “not intended to promote myself or any organisation”.
Citing a recent investigation by German broadcaster ARD, the fans’ group said “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 organisation promotes Christian beliefs and has high-profile followers such as England’s Marc Guehi and Bukayo Saka and former Brazil forward Kaka.
In response 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 demonstrate love and respect towards everyone, including those who do not share our beliefs.
“Our focus has always been, and will always be, to point people to Jesus with grace and love.”
Nmecha said: “My message has never been about promoting intolerance, discrimination, or hate 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 because of his “religious beliefs”.
Guehi wrote “I [heart] Jesus” on his rainbow armband when he captained Palace.
Manchester United abandoned plans to wear a jacket supporting the LGBTQ+ community because a player refused.