Werder Bremen star apologises for insulting emoji sign after derby win and blames 'moment of euphoria'

Desic found herself at the centre of controversy following Werder Bremen’s 2-0 Frauen Bundesliga victory over local rivals Hamburg. The veteran forward celebrated with fans after full time, during which she was handed a sign that depicted Hamburg’s club crest within a pile of excrement, resembling the popular poop emoji. Desic held the sign aloft during the team’s lap of honour at the Weserstadion, drawing sharp criticism on social media once photos of the gesture circulated online.

In an Instagram post, Desic apologised for her actions, explaining that the incident stemmed from the emotions of the moment rather than malice. “During the derby, in a moment of euphoria, I held up a fan’s sign that crossed the line. I didn’t want to insult or provoke anyone; my emotions just got the better of me,” she wrote. “I’m sorry to anyone who felt attacked by that. Anyone who knows me knows what kind of person I am and that I don’t wish harm on anyone.”

Desic clarified that her actions were not deliberate provocation, but an emotional reaction in the heat of the moment after securing Bremen’s first-ever Frauen Bundesliga derby win. “I didn’t mean to provoke anyone; I was just caught up in the emotions of the occasion.”

Desic emphasised that while rivalry is part of football, respect and professionalism must remain paramount, “A certain amount of rivalry is part of football, but respect and professionalism are just as important.”

Bremen have stood by their player amid the wave of online criticism that followed. In an official statement, the club condemned the abusive messages and threats directed at Desic. “We condemn the hate comments and threats that have reached Medina, are standing with our player, and reserve the right to take further action,” the club declared.

DAZN pundit and former Freiburg player Carmen Hofflin, however, criticised the moment, saying: “That’s a bit much. And then she gets the sign from a child. You can’t hand a child a poster like that. With all due respect.” Despite the backlash, Desic’s teammates and club hierarchy have publicly supported her, stressing that the act was an uncharacteristic mistake made in the heat of celebration.

Saturday’s game marked the first Frauen Bundesliga “Nordderby” between Bremen and Hamburg, a fierce local rivalry mirrored across men’s and women’s football. The fixture sold out the Weserstadion with a 37,000-strong crowd, underlining the growing popularity of the women’s game. Bremen’s two goals, both scored from the spot by former HSV player Larissa Muhlhaus, sealed a historic win for the hosts.

Birte Bruggemann, head of women’s football at Werder, had earlier urged for a family-friendly atmosphere and discouraged hostility between the clubs. The episode surrounding Desic’s sign has served as a reminder of that message, with both club and player keen to move on positively.

Werder Bremen’s women’s side are now focused on maintaining their early-season momentum in the Frauen Bundesliga after their derby triumph. The club is also working closely with players to reinforce its values of respect and professionalism on and off the pitch.