Despite fan protests: Eberl gives green light for Boateng’s trial period | OneFootball

While FC Bayern's 2-1 victory against Borussia Dortmund sparked sporting jubilation, there was anger and incomprehension in the stands of the Allianz Arena. The fans reacted with clear protests to the planned internship of former player Jérôme Boateng – and sent unequivocal messages to the club.

The topic had already sparked heated discussions before the Bundesliga clash: Jérôme Boateng, a long-time defender of the record champions, is to be allowed to intern at FC Bayern in the future. It is planned that the 37-year-old will be allowed to attend four training sessions within a week at Säbener Straße as part of his coaching training.

A club spokesperson confirmed the request before the match: “Jerome asked the coach if he could observe the training sessions with us for a few days. This is not an employment. If the coach offers him this opportunity and it fits the schedule, we have no objections.”

But many fans see it differently – and reacted with clear protest on Saturday evening.

“No Place for Character Swines” – Fans with a Clear Message

Photo: IMAGO | Photo: IMAGO,

Even beforehand, a petition titled “Set Limits Against Misogynistic Violence: Jérôme Boateng Must Not Return to FC Bayern” was launched on the platform change.org. During the classic match in the Allianz Arena, the protests reached the next level.

In the 47th minute, ultras in the south curve unfurled several large banners. They read: “Whoever gives the perpetrator space shares his guilt – Boateng, piss off!” and “No place for character swines in our club – no more place for Boateng!”

The messages were unmistakable and highlighted the rejection of many fans towards the former central defender, who had previously made headlines due to criminal proceedings for bodily harm and violence against women.

Eberl and Kompany Defend the Internship

Bayern's sporting director Max Eberl commented on the fan protests after the match and clarified that the internship does not imply any employment or return to the club: “The topic is just very big out of nothing for me. Jérôme asked Vinnie, whom he knows very well, if he could intern with him – meaning if he could just look over his shoulder for a few days and watch the training. It's not about employment, it's not about any permanent position at FC Bayern. It's simply about observing training sessions. We would approve of it.”

Head coach Vincent Kompany also tried to defuse the situation: “I'm not sure if it was communicated correctly. It's about him observing three or four training sessions as part of his coaching training. I don't consider it a big issue.”

In 2024, Boateng was found guilty of intentional bodily harm to his ex-girlfriend but was only warned in the appeal process. The former national player is therefore not convicted. Nevertheless, his name remains highly controversial in public – especially in connection with violence against women.

The fan reactions during the classic show that the Boateng case at FC Bayern goes far beyond the sporting framework – and the planned internship is likely to resonate emotionally for a long time.

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