A former Olympique Lyonnais player has just found himself at the heart of a controversy in Germany. This weekend, during a Bundesliga match, banners flourished in the stands. The message was clear, even brutal: “Anyone who gives space to the aggressor bears his guilt. No place for pigs in our club. » A violent charge, targeting a man who is not even on the ground. A former defender who passed through Lyon between 2023 and 2024, and who thought he could return discreetly to his former club to follow some training. Missed.
A former OL player at the heart of a scandal in Germany
Jerome Boateng. This is the name that crystallizes the anger of Bavarian fans. The former central defender, who passed through Lyon between 2023 and 2024, asked Vincent Kompany to complete an internship for a few days alongside Bayern Munich. A request accepted by the club, but which absolutely does not go over with the supporters. Accused in 2018 of attacks and insults towards his former partner, Boateng was worried for a long time by the Munich justice system before getting out on appeal, with a simple warning. But the fans have not forgotten.
The situation embarrasses Vincent Kompany. The Belgian technician reacted cautiously:
“I'm not sure that was expressed well. This involves attending three or four training sessions as part of your coaching training. I don't think it's an important topic. » A way of minimizing the matter, but which convinces no one. Jan-Christian Dreesen, Bayern's CEO, also tried to calm things down:
“It’s a complex matter. I think everyone deserves rehabilitation. »
A past that sticks to your skin
Nothing has yet been decided regarding Boateng's presence in training. The club wanted to clarify that this is not a permanent job, but simply to attend a few sessions as part of their coaching training. Max Eberl, the sports director, confirmed: “Vincent and Jérôme have known each other for a long time. We simply agreed that Jérôme would attend a few training sessions from now on. » But for the supporters, the justifications don't matter. Boateng has no place at Bayern.
The 37-year-old former defender, 2014 world champion with Germany, has had a tarnished image for several years. His move to OL was not enough to erase the controversies. And today, even his one-off return to Bayern to learn the coaching profession is causing a scandal. Vincent Kompany is still riding high with eleven victories in a row. But this Boateng affair could well tarnish the atmosphere.
