Borussia Dortmund crack down on Felix Nmecha social media posts in response to midfielder's controversial Charlie Kirk tribute

The 24-year-old shared a post on his Instagram story in which he mourned the death of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing conservative media figure with close ties to USA president Donald Trump. On September 10, Kirk, 31, was talking about gun control in front of a large number of students at Utah Valley University when he was shot and killed by suspected shooter Tyler Robinson. 

"Rest in peace with the Lord," Nmecha wrote in English above a greyed-out photo of Kirk: "Such a sad day. May the Lord be with the Kirk family."

The Dortmund midfielder then went on to be even more explicit: "Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Celebrating the murder of a father of two and husband, a man who peacefully stood up for his beliefs and values, is truly evil and shows how much we really need Jesus Christ." He continued: "May God show mercy and open your eyes and hearts in Jesus' name."

Nmecha's post sparked controversy in Germany, especially among fans, who have opposed the player's tribute.

According to Sport Bild, Dortmund officials, including managing director Lars Ricken and sporting director Sebastian Kehl, subsequently spoke with Nmecha. The club fully support his right to freedom of expression. However, as this was not the first time that Nmecha's posts had caused a stir and unrest, he will have to "clarify his digital messages with BVB in advance" in future, according to the report. In plain language: Dortmund's social media experts will have to approve Nmecha's posts in future and inform him in advance about possible public reactions.

Nmecha had attracted negative attention in the past with posts on his social media profiles. In the summer of 2023, in the wake of his imminent transfer from Wolfsburg to Borussia Dortmund, BVB fans protested against his signing because the midfielder had shared and liked homophobic and transphobic posts. Surprisingly, Die Schwarzgelben inserted an 'Instagram clause' in his contract in 2023, which would see him fined €1 million if he violates the club's values and beliefs on social media.

He later denied the allegations, explaining in a statement that "a few things had been taken out of context", adding: "I am a Christian, of course, but I love all people. I don't discriminate. I hope the fans will give me the chance to get to know each other and see that I am, hopefully, a great person."

Nmecha will be expected to play a major role for Niko Kovac's side when they visit Mainz on Saturday. Dortmund are currently in second place on the Bundesliga table, just two points behind rivals Bayern Munich.

Additional reporting by Jochen Tittmar.