Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl did not mince words when discussing the treatment Manuel Neuer received during Bayern Munich’s return to Gelsenkirchen.
Neuer, who spent 20 years in Schalke’s youth setup and first team before becoming one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, was subjected to whistles and insulting chants from sections of the home supporters during his return to the Veltins-Arena.
For Eberl, there is nothing wrong with Schalke supporters making their feelings
toward Bayern Munich known, but he also believes it went too far with the vulgarity and personal insults.
“They should be proud that they trained such a great guy in their youth academy, who then took steps into world football and became the world’s best goalkeeper and World Cup winner. Such strong language is unacceptable. You can boo because you’re against Bayern, but these kinds of expressions are unnecessary,” said Eberl (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
It is difficult to argue with Eberl’s broader point as, notably, Schalke fans were — allegedly — calling Neuer a “son of a b****.”
Neuer is one of Schalke’s most famous academy products, a World Cup winner, a Champions League titleist, and a goalkeeper whose career took him from Gelsenkirchen to the very top of world football.
Even Neuer himself acknowledged how much Schalke means to him after the match, saying he spent 20 years there, learned everything there, and still has family living in Gelsenkirchen.
Rivalry is a big, important part of football and booing is a fine, but as Eberl made clear, there is no need for the personal abuse.
If Schalke fans had any real creativity, they would have just cued this up for Bayern Munich warming up and not had to scream something to get their message across:
Seriously, though, Neuer only did what was best for his career. Maybe one day Gelsenkirchen will really welcome back its prodigal son as a the conquering hero he has been and not the outcast they view him to be.
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