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Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has commented on the interference of Jobe Bellingham’s father in BVB affairs. Bellingham’s father Mark – disappointed with head coach Niko Kovac’s decision to take his son of at the half in yesterday’s Bundesliga fixture – engaged in an altercation with Kehl after the 3-3 draw with St. Pauli. Kehl adamantly stated that such behavior was unacceptable.
Mark Bellingham was allowed into the private team area by security personnel. Reports about what actually happened are sketchy, but Sky Germany and Sport Bild both claim that several members of Bellingham’s family accosted Kehl. The family apparently snuck into the team’s technical area in the catacombs of the Millerntor via the security officials guarding the team bus. An argument over how Bellingham was used tactically then ensued.
Jobe Bellingham started alongside Pascal Groß on the left second attacking axis in 3-3-2-2. The Englishman substituted for his supposed midfield partner Felix Nmecha after 45 minutes. The Bellingham family presumably didn’t like Kovac’s tactical decision to replace Jobe and Karim Adeyemi with Nmecha and Julian Brandt. Bellingham showed little in the opening half. Kovac brought on two more attack-minded players to compensate.
“We are all disappointed with yesterday’s result,” Kehl – as quoted by transfermarkt.de – said. “The team area is nevertheless reserved for players, coaches, and executives, not families and agents. This will not happen again. We have made this clear to everyone involved.”
GGFN | Peter Weis
