DOTMund, Germany (AP) — Borussia Dortmund moves the player’s parents away from the locker room area after an incident with Job Bellingham’s father.
Mark Bellingham traveled from England to watch his son’s Bundesliga debut at St. Pauli on Saturday, but later sparked a scene in the stadium’s restricted areas when he spoke to sports manager Sebastian Kiel. He reportedly demanded that he find out why his son took off at halftime.
Dortmund Managing Director Lars Ricken refused to comment on the nature of the discussion when asked Sunday, but said Sky TV had results.
“I wasn’t at the talk,” Ricken said. Ricken announced that in the future, only players, coaches and officials will have access to the locker room area. “We will ensure that we don’t get angry again by commenting on such issues.”
Ricken also reduced the nature of the disagreement.
“We’ve had a trusting relationship with our parents over the years, so we got Job Bellingham,” Ricken said. “Now, the family wanted to come from England especially for their son’s first Bundesliga match and meet Job after the match on the bus. Then they stood at the entrance to the locker room and spoke emotionally with Sebastian. This was not an issue at all based on the relationship.
“Active areas are limited for players, coaches and officials, not for families or agents. That will never happen again. That’s what I’ve clearly told everyone involved.”
Bellingham endured his disappointing German league debut in Hamburg, in contrast to his brother Jude. Dortmund ended up taking 3-3 with St. Pauli, and Bellingham was replaced by Felix Numeka at halftime.
Jude Bellingham scored one goal in September 2020, when Dortmund defeated Borussia Menchenradbach 3-0. The older Bellingham moved to Real Madrid in 2023.
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