Controversy at Borussia Dortmund: Jobe Bellingham’s Parents Clash with Sebastian Kehl in Tunnel After Substitution

New details have emerged about a heated confrontation in the tunnel between Jobe Bellingham’s parents and Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, following a 3-3 draw against St. Pauli in the Bundesliga 2025/26 season opener.

The early substitution of Jobe Bellingham, who joined Dortmund this summer from Sunderland on a five-year contract, sparked frustration among his family. After the match, his parents encountered Kehl in the locker room area, leading to a tense exchange that surprised even some Dortmund players.

According to Sport Bild, Kehl called Mark Bellingham, Jobe’s father, the following day to address the situation. He reminded him that family members are not permitted in the tunnel and warned that such incidents must not happen again. Mark Bellingham accepted the message and assured it would not be repeated.

The Club’s Response

Dortmund’s general manager, Lars Ricken, downplayed the controversy, emphasizing that there is no ongoing conflict between the club and the Bellingham family:

“Everything is resolved; there’s no drama. We brought Jobe in because we built a relationship of trust with his parents. They traveled to see his debut and wanted to meet him after the match. It was an emotional conversation, but nothing serious,” he told Sky.

Kehl also publicly stated that the matter is closed:
“It won’t happen again. We’ve made everything clear with the individuals involved.”

Jobe Bellingham’s Context at Dortmund

The controversy overshadowed what should have been a historic day for the 19-year-old midfielder, regarded as one of English football’s brightest prospects after being named the Championship Young Player of the Year and leading Sunderland to Premier League promotion.

High expectations surrounded Jobe, with inevitable comparisons to his older brother, Jude Bellingham, a star at Real Madrid. However, his early substitution against St. Pauli triggered the family’s frustration.

Even legends like Lothar Matthäus commented that such discussions “should not take place” in the hallways after a match and should instead be resolved in the locker room.

Borussia Dortmund will aim for their first Bundesliga win when they face Union Berlin on Sunday. Meanwhile, Jobe Bellingham faces the challenge of securing a regular spot in Niko Kovac’s plans under intense media scrutiny.