Bayern Munich has withdrawn a planned coaching internship for former defender Jerome Boateng following intense fan protests over his past conviction for bodily harm against the mother of his children.
Supporters displayed angry banners during Bayern’s 2–1 victory over Borussia Dortmund, telling the ex-player to “p*** off,” after recalling that he was found guilty last year of premeditated bodily harm stemming from a 2018 incident involving his former partner.
The 37-year-old World Cup winner avoided prison but received a suspended fine of more than £168,000 and a formal warning. Boateng, however, continues to deny the allegations.
According to Mail Online, the club had arranged for Boateng to shadow head coach Vincent Kompany as part of efforts to support his rehabilitation. However, following the backlash, Boateng voluntarily withdrew from the program to avoid further controversy and protect Bayern’s image.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Boateng wrote:
“That’s where my focus is right now, and your focus should remain fully on the pitch — on extending this impressive streak of 13 consecutive wins.
I am grateful to the club management and to you, dear Vincent, for the trust and opportunity to be part of this. I wish you all great success this season and thank the many fans for their messages and support. Yours, Boa.”
Bayern supporters had previously launched a petition titled “Setting boundaries against misogynistic violence: Jerome Boateng should not be allowed back at Bayern Munich.”
At the Dortmund match on October 18, fans held banners reading: “Whoever gives the perpetrator space shares his guilt. Boateng, p** off!”*
Despite the criticism, both manager Vincent Kompany and CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen initially defended the club’s decision. Dreesen stated:
“I believe everyone deserves a chance at rehabilitation. The verdict must be viewed in its entirety. We have no employment relationship with Jerome — he was simply to observe some training sessions as part of coaching development.”
Boateng, a two-time Champions League winner with Bayern, had hoped to begin his post-playing career at the club where he enjoyed immense success, but fan opposition has effectively ended that opportunity — at least for now.
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