Felix Nmecha denies goal celebrations promote ‘intolerance, discrimination and hate’

Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha has responded to criticism of goal celebrations linked to an evangelical network by saying they’ve been misunderstood and are not meant to promote “intolerance, discrimination, or hate in any form.”

Nmecha, a devout Christian, was criticised by the Dortmund official supporters’ group at the weekend for celebrating goals with a gesture signifying the “The King’s Return” campaign linked to Ballers in God (BIG), a network of Christian football players. The German public broadcaster ARD has linked BIG to ultra-conservative positions on issues including homosexuality and transgender identity.

“My celebration is not intended to promote myself or any organisation,” Nmecha wrote in a social media post on Tuesday.