Klopp reveals what Felix Nmecha told him over disputed goal celebration

Jurgen Klopp says Felix Nmecha has assured him he will not repeat a goal celebration that prompted criticism because of its links to a controversial religious campaign.

The Borussia Dortmund and Germany player was questioned by the Germany manager after celebrating goals by appearing to remove an imaginary crown from his head and place it on the ground while kneeling.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, ahead of Germany’s Nations League meeting with Serbia on Friday, Klopp said Nmecha had made clear the gesture contained no discriminatory message or call for hatred.

The player also told him he would not use the celebration again.

“Yes, it was an important subject of discussion,” said the former Liverpool manager. “Perhaps we should go back to the beginning. I watched football at the weekend and saw Felix score two wonderful goals. I also saw his celebration.

“At first, I did not think about it at all, either the celebration itself or the gesture he made.”

Klopp said he initially knew nothing about the background to the gesture, but began researching it after the debate surrounding Nmecha intensified.

“Perhaps it was because of my lack of knowledge, or for any other reason, but I did not pay attention to it at first,” he added. “As the discussion grew, I started looking into the details and tried to form a clear picture of the issue.”

Klopp said he wanted to speak to Nmecha personally as soon as the pair met, describing him as a warm and open character who brings positive energy to the squad.

“I told him: this is the situation, and these are the discussions taking place because of it. What are we going to do? People are asking me what I should say,” Klopp said.

“I confronted him with everything you might have confronted him with, and with what some people might think. To be clear, I am not one of those people, but there are people who view it in that way.”

Nmecha’s response, according to Klopp, was that the celebration had no connection to discrimination.

“He told me it had absolutely nothing to do with that, that he loves all people and does not discriminate against anyone,” Klopp said.

The conversation then turned to the gesture itself and how it could be understood by supporters.

“He said he would not celebrate in that way again, and that is why he will not do it again,” Klopp added.

Klopp said Nmecha’s intended meaning was personal and religious, rather than political or discriminatory.

“His message is that he places the crown at the feet of Jesus Christ,” he said. “That is all it means to him. There is no additional message or hidden meaning behind the celebration. For me, that was enough.”

What happened?

The controversy followed Borussia Dortmund’s 2-1 victory over Elversberg in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Nmecha scored both goals with long-range efforts before performing the gesture.

The celebration is associated with The King’s Return, a campaign linked to the evangelical religious network Ballers in God, which includes Christian footballers and seeks to express and promote Christian beliefs among athletes.

The campaign and network have faced criticism over views attributed to them on racism and abortion, according to investigations by German broadcaster ARD.

Borussia Dortmund’s official supporters’ group subsequently criticised the celebration, saying faith should not be used to justify exclusion or discrimination and that the club should remain a space for everyone.