Klopp promises Nmecha won't repeat controversial crown celebration

Germany head coach Jurgen Klopp revealed Felix Nmecha will not repeat his controversial goal celebration after confronting the midfielder over the gesture.

Nmecha scored twice in Borussia Dortmund's 2-1 win over Elversberg last weekend and celebrated by mimicking taking a crown off his head and kneeling to place it on the ground.

The celebration was allegedly a nod to a Ballers in God campaign called "The King's Return," which a Dortmund supporters' group said discriminates against gay and transgender people.

Ballers in God, a Christian group for footballers founded by former Crystal Palace and Tottenham midfielder John Bostock, said it wants to "demonstrate love and respect towards everyone."

The issue was a major talking point ahead of Germany's Nations League fixture against Serbia in Belgrade on Friday, with Klopp omitting uncapped 17-year-old prodigy Wael Mohya from his 23-man squad.

Klopp admitted he challenged Nmecha after the pair linked up for Germany duty and he was convinced by the 26-year-old's explanation that he meant no harm with his celebration.

"It was a big ⁠issue," Klopp told a news conference. "I saw Felix score two great goals and saw the celebration and then the gesture. I thought nothing of it at the time. But then it all kicked off.

"As the controversy escalated, I started looking into the details of the subject and trying to form a clear picture of it.

"I have known Felix Nmecha for a few months, and I can say that he is a very friendly young man, who is warm and open, and always spreads positive energy when he is with us.

"I confronted him with all the things you might have confronted him with. He told me that it had nothing to do with that at all, and that he loves all people and does not discriminate against anyone.

"For me ⁠the most important issue was settled. Then I said 'how do we do it with the goal ⁠celebration?' He will not be celebrating like that."

Germany are three points off the Nations League quarterfinal places in their group with just two matches remaining, while Serbia are out of the running after four successive defeats.