Borussia Dortmund to ban Felix Nmecha's controversial goal celebration as midfielder releases statement

Borussia Dortmund want to ban Felix Nmecha's goal celebration due to it being tied to a campaign by 'Ballers in God' movement.

Ballers in God (BIG), was set up by former Spurs midfielder John Bostock in 2015 and serves as a way for footballers to network through their shared Christian faith.

On Instagram the page has close to 800,000 followers and has association from the likes of Kaka, Eberechi Eze, Antoine Semenyo, Trevoh Chalobah - who have all appeared in some form.

The network captures the recent rise in players pledging their devotion to Jesus Christ on social media and in interviews.

Felix Nmecha embroiled in controversy over Borussia Dortmund goal celebration

The organisation sells merchandise and arranges regular prayer meetings and retreats. But the network has come in for criticism by Dortmund's supporters' group in relation to Nmecha's goal celebration this weekend.

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Nmecha scored a brace in Dortmund's 2-1 victory over Elversberg and celebrated both goals by pointing to the sky, taking an imaginary crown off his head and placing it on the turf.

Nmecha was one of five players to participate in the celebration, alongside Jair Cunha, Mark McKenzie, Marcel Lavinier and Mauricio Prado, as part of a campaigned called 'The King's Return'.

Referencing the crown-laying gesture, Ballers in God said: "Whether it's after scoring a goal or in a moment of reflection, these players are using their platforms to point people towards the King of Kings!

"Football may bring the applause, the trophies and the glory, but there is only ONE who deserves our worship."

However, Dortmund fans object to the celebration after raising concerns about the Ballers in God movement, claiming investigations by ARD, the magazine MONITOR, and the sports programme Sportschau have "documented that homosexuality was described as a sin and abortion as Satan's plan" within the circles of those using the missionary services of 'Ballers in God'.

In a lengthy statement, the group also said investigations uncovered "extremely conservative positions against homosexuality and transgender identity are advocated".

Felix Nmecha responds as update given on Borussia Dortmund stance

Following up, German outlet WDR say that the club will ask Ballers in God to refrain from featuring Nmecha in its advertising.

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They will also urge the former Manchester City academy player to stop from celebrating as he has been doing in recent times.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Ballers in God wrote: "We are encouraged by player-led movements such as The King's Return, where footballers themselves take the initiative to express their faith in Jesus.

"Our desire is not only to share our hope, but to demonstrate love and respect towards everyone, including those who do not share our beliefs.

"Our focus has always been, and will always be, to point people to Jesus with grace and love."

Nmecha, who held talks with Jurgen Klopp when he joinned up with the Germany national team, has also issued a statement clarifying the meaning behind his celebration.

Clearing up the controversy, he wrote: "It has been brought to my attention that my recent goal celebration has led to some misunderstandings.

"My celebration is not intended to promote myself or any organisation. Rather, it is about laying my 'crown' before the soon coming King and pointing to Jesus, my hope and strength!

"My message has never been about promoting intolerance, discrimination, or hate in any form.

"As Christians, our message is one of love and respect for everyone, regardless of where they come from, what they believe, or what their worldview may be."

Nmecha finished the post by quoting a verse from John 3:16, which said, "For God so loved the world.."