Former Bayern Munich star Jerome Boateng is facing a backlash against a planned coaching internship after he was found guilty of physically abusing a former partner.
Boateng, 37, said this week he had spoken to Bayern coach Vincent Kompany – his former teammate at Manchester City – and has been given approval for the role. However, he said no start date had been agreed.
A petition against the appointment has been set up, entitled: “Setting borders against misogynistic violence: Jerome Boateng should not be allowed back to Bayern Munich.”
It had more than 2,200 names by Friday morning and points out that every November the team’s stadium is lit up in orange to highlight violence against women.
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Boateng was given a suspended fine and warning last year after being found guilty of premeditated bodily harm. There were several trials in the case and he denied the charges.
There was similar opposition in 2023 when Bayern said they were considering a short-term deal with the defender – who played for them for a decade after leaving City in 2011.
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The defender helped the team win nine German championships and two Champions League titles, and also played 76 times for Germany.
Bayern have not commented on the controversy but Kompany said last month he would be happy for Boateng “to spend some weeks with us and share his experiences as a top defender”.
Boateng retired from playing last month when his contract with Austrian side LASK Linz was terminated by mutual consent.
