Borussia Dortmund CEO Carsten Cramer has sharply criticized the boos directed at Nico Schlotterbeck by some fans.
«As someone in charge, it doesn’t feel good, and therefore I have to say that it’s not appropriate for a Borussia Dortmund player, and that was Nico, to be met with boos,» Cramer stated after the 0-1 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen. «He is a Borussia Dortmund player who identifies with us. That is not acceptable.»
Cramer emphasized that while he finds freedom of expression «okay,» players in the Borussia Dortmund jersey deserve support as soon as they step onto the pitch. «We are a community. We signed a contract together.» He added that there is «absolutely no reason» for boos.
Coach Niko Kovac echoed similar sentiments. «Of course, something like that is not acceptable. We are all Borussians, and every single player needs the support of the fans,» he said on DAZN. «We are a community, and we want to be successful. Everyone can express their disappointment, but as a team, we should stick together.»
Schlotterbeck’s defensive colleague Waldemar Anton also expressed his lack of understanding. «No one deserves to be booed. These are things that simply don’t work,» he stated on DAZN. «It damages us as a team, and everyone in the stands needs to know that. We as a team absolutely cannot accept this; it’s an outrage, in my opinion.»
Nico Schlotterbeck Extends Contract with BVB Until 2031
BVB announced the contract extension with Schlotterbeck until 2031 on Friday after tough negotiations. However, according to media reports, the contract includes an exit clause for specific clubs, which could potentially be exercised as early as this summer. Kovac stated he was unaware of such a clause, humorously adding, «I don’t even know my contract that well,» and that he has an advisor for such matters.
Cramer also felt it was important to praise the fans alongside his criticism. Due to a medical emergency where a person in the stadium required resuscitation, fans of both teams temporarily stopped their vocal support. Cramer described this public reaction as «incredibly strong,» but concluded, «The medal has two sides today.»