Fans try to stop signing of Christian footballer: “He is a transphobe”
The German international Felix Nmecha could soon land in Borussia Dortmund. But some fans are not happy for the player’s view on LGBT issues.
Pro Medien Magazin · 16 JUNE 2023 · 12:34 CET
Borussia Dortmund, the second-best team of this season’s Bundesliga (Germany’s top football division) could secure the services of Felix Nmecha for the future.
According to media reports, Nmecha would arrive to take the place of super star Jude Bellingham, who has moved to Spain’s Real Madrid. But opposition to the incorporation has appeared.
The central midfielder earned a place in the starting eleven at VfL Wolfsburg last season. He also celebrated his debut in the Germany’s national team. What he is said to have said off the pitch, however, has been criticised in the Borussia fan camp.
Dortmund fans are upset with the content Nmecha has shared on Instagram. Nmecha’s bio description on Instagram reads: “Jesus is Lord” and he publicly shares his Christian faith online.
At the beginning of June, he shared a post from the account “Reformedbychrist”. June is considered the month in which the LGBTQ scene demands more tolerance in society.
Jesus vs. the devil?
On another picture shared later, the devil can be seen on the left side. Underneath this image is the word “Pride”. The image on the right symbolises heaven. Underneath it is written: “Jesus Christ”. The letters P, R, I, D and E are accompanied by short sequences that read something like: “Put yourself first”, “Relax, enjoy yourself”, “If it feels good, do it”, “Don’t listen to anyone else” and “Entertain yourself”.
Nmecha has since deleted the picture - without addressing the accusations. He had already met with resistance in February with a shared video by American activist and author Matt Walsh, who is critical of the ideas of the US LGBTQ community.
Back then, the football player commented: “I have to honestly confess that I don’t agree with the majority of what Walsh says and the way he treats people”. However, he continued, he sees the Bible as the Word of God and “that everyone finds their true identity in a relationship with HIM [God] (myself included)”.
“Wouldn't like to see Nmecha in our jersey”
Many fans “don’t want a player with such views at their club” and “would be disappointed” with a signing. One social media message reads: “A Christian God warrior with discriminatory views to replace Bellingham? Hey Borussia Dortmund, I don’t want to see someone like Nmecha wearing our jersey. I don’t care how good he plays or what potential he has. No way”.
But there are also fans who define a possible transfer in sporting terms and would be happy about this new addition. “Good, young player”, one said. Another social media user invokes freedom of expression: “I think it would be good if he came. Super kicker! He just has a different opinion that I don’t have to share”.
Due to his current ankle injury, Nmecha is neither in the U21 squad for the Georgia match nor for that of the senior national team.
This article was first published by Pro Medien Magazin and translated with permission.
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