Borussia Dortmund have imposed a new ban on family members entering the locker room after Saturday’s reported confrontation involving Jobe Bellingham’s father, tightening their dressing room access rules.
Dortmund appeared to be cruising to a win in their Bundesliga season opener against St Pauli, leading 3-1 in the 85th minute, only to see their advantage slip as the match ended 3-3.
Reports suggested that tensions were heightened by the presence of Bellingham’s parents, Mark and Denise, who were reportedly unhappy after their son was substituted at half-time during his German top-flight debut.
They reportedly waited in the tunnel after full-time to speak with Dortmund officials.
According to Sky Sports Germany (via Daily Mail), Mark, who also acts as Jobe’s advisor, held an emotional conversation with Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl.
The report claims he expressed his frustration over both his son’s early substitution and the team’s overall performance.
BILD also reported that Mark Bellingham requested a meeting with manager Niko Kovac directly and “made no secret of his opinion.”
Some Dortmund players reportedly noticed his emotional state, which was allegedly intensified by the disappointing final minutes of the game.
Speaking on the matter Sunday evening, Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken sought to downplay the situation, calling it “not a problem” but confirming that family members will now be banned from the area in the future.
“We got Jobe Bellingham because we really built a relationship of trust with the parents over the years. Now the family flew in especially for their son’s first Bundesliga game and wanted to meet Jobe after the game,” Ricken told Sky90 – The Football Debate.
“They stood in the hallway to the locker room and had an emotional conversation with Sebastian, which, however, is not a problem at all given this relationship.
“In the future though, we will ensure that players, coaches, and any officials have access to the locker room area, so that we no longer get into trouble by commenting on such news.
“But today everything has been resolved – no drama.”
The 19-year-old, who joined Dortmund this summer in a £32million transfer from Sunderland, started the clash against St Pauli but was taken off at half-time by Kovac after a lackluster first half.
Despite Dortmund’s 3-1 lead, they conceded twice in the final four minutes, leaving them with just one point from the opening match.