Jérôme Boateng pulls out of Bayern return as part of coaching staff after objections due to assault of former partner.
Jérôme Boateng pulls out of Bayern return after objections due to assault of former partner.
After supporters objected to the 2014 World Cup winner’s conviction for hitting his ex-partner last year, retired defender Jérôme Boateng cancelled his planned coaching internship at Bayern Munich.
The head coach Vincent Kompany had discussed a brief internship with the former Germany and Bayern centre-back, who played for the team from 2011 to 2021.
“Following the recent discussion regarding myself, I have decided to focus on my issues such as the A training license … that is where my focus is,” he said in a social media post addressed to Bayern and Kompany. “Your focus should be solely on the pitch and on extending this 13-match winning run.”
“I am thankful to the club leadership and you, dear Vincent, for giving me trust and the opportunity to be part of that,” Boateng said.
After the athlete was found guilty of premeditated bodily harm against his former spouse by a Munich court last year and given a warning and a suspended fine, Bayern supporters had objected to his scheduled internship. Thousands of people signed an online petition with the title, “Setting borders against misogynistic violence: Jerome Boateng should not be allowed back to Bayern Munich.”
The 37-year-old Boateng, who played 76 games for Germany from 2009 to 2018, joined Bayern for 10 years after moving from Manchester City in 2011 where he had been Kompany’s colleague. He assisted Bayern in winning two Champions Leagues and nine Bundesliga championships.