‘Almost unbearable’: Experts slam Bellingham controversy at Dortmund | OneFootball

Jobe Bellingham is causing a stir after his Bundesliga debut at BVB - not because of his performance, but because of a scandal involving his father. While Lothar Matthäus shows understanding, Markus Babbel sharply criticizes the behavior.

Borussia Dortmund's season start is already under pressure early on - not just in terms of sports, but also because of a heated incident involving newcomer Jobe Bellingham. After the 3:3 at FC St. Pauli, Bellingham's father and advisor Mark confronted Dortmund's sporting director Sebastian Kehl in the catacombs. It was about the early substitution of the 19-year-old and the team's style of play.

Kehl confirmed the confrontation and made it clear: "We are all disappointed about yesterday's result. And yet, the active area is reserved for us players, coaches and officials, not families and advisors. This will not happen again."

For former national player Lothar Matthäus, the parents' handling of the situation is understandable, but the timing is completely wrong: "The parents manage him and are unhappy with the playing times. I can understand their point of view. That there is trouble is part of it, but not where it took place." According to Matthäus, such conversations should take place "behind closed doors in Dortmund".

Markus Babbel sharply criticizes Bellingham's father

Markus Babbel reacted much more sharply. The former Bundesliga professional called the behavior of Bellingham's father towards Absolut Fussball "almost unbearable" and explained: "What do the fathers think they have achieved? They have achieved nothing - only the sons have put in the effort. You will rarely see this from mothers, but the fathers often think they are more important than the player himself."

The former national player reminded that Jobe's decision for Dortmund deserves respect, but he must subordinate himself to the club: "This was definitely not good for Dortmund." He hopes "that Sebastian Kehl has read the father the riot act."

The incident is all the more serious as the name Bellingham is particularly sensitive at BVB. Brother Jude was one of the key players from 2020 to 2023 and eventually moved to Real Madrid for over 100 million euros. Great expectations now rest on Jobe.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.