Eberl criticises ‘unacceptable’ treatment of Neuer during Schalke return

Max Eberl has criticised Schalke supporters for directing abusive chants at Manuel Neuer during Bayern Munich’s goalless draw at Veltins-Arena on Saturday.

The Bayern Munich sporting director objected to language used by sections of the home crowd towards Neuer, who began his career at Schalke and came through the club’s academy before establishing himself as one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in football.

The match, which finished 0-0 in the second round of the Bundesliga, marked an emotional return to Schalke for Neuer. He joined the club’s academy, progressed through its teams and eventually made it into the first team before leaving for Bayern Munich in 2011.

Some supporters referred to the visiting goalkeeper as a “son of a dog”, prompting Eberl to question why Schalke fans would insult a player who had developed at their club.

“They should be proud that they trained such a great man in their academy, someone who took steps towards world football, became the best goalkeeper in the world and also won the World Cup,” Eberl said.

“Such strong language is unacceptable. You can applaud in protest because you are against Bayern, but these kinds of expressions are unnecessary.”

Neuer’s return carried particular significance because Schalke played a central role in his development. He spent his formative years at the club before earning recognition as a leading goalkeeper in Germany and beyond.

The 2014 World Cup winner is also regarded as one of Bayern Munich’s most important figures. During his time with the Bavarian club, he has won numerous honours, including the UEFA Champions League twice.

His career has made him a major figure for both Bayern Munich and Germany, while his connection with Schalke ensured Saturday’s fixture had an added personal dimension. Despite that history, he was subjected to hostile chanting during the match at Veltins-Arena.

Eberl said supporters were entitled to show their opposition to Bayern Munich, but argued that criticism should not cross the line into personal abuse.

The goalless draw left the focus away from events on the pitch, with the reaction to the treatment of Neuer becoming the main talking point after the final whistle. Eberl’s comments represented a strong defence of the goalkeeper and a rebuke of the language used by the Schalke crowd.

Neuer’s career has taken him from Schalke’s academy to the highest level of the game, including World Cup success with Germany and two UEFA Champions League triumphs with Bayern Munich. His return to Veltins-Arena therefore carried the weight of both his origins and his status as one of the most decorated goalkeepers of his generation.