Bayern boss Max Eberl criticizes Schalke fans for profanity
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl sharply criticised the whistles and insults directed at Manuel Neuer during the 0-0 draw against FC Schalke 04 on Saturday, 5 September 2026, and called the use of profanity unacceptable. He emphasized that sporting competition must not be accompanied by personal attacks.
Eberl said the reactions of the S04 supporters had gone far too far. „Schalke fans – 95 percent, hats off for what they have done – the other … You should be proud that you have trained such a great guy in your youth academy, who then made the leap into world football, became the best goalkeeper in the world and a world champion. Such profanity does not belong then. You can whistle because you are against Bayern, but those expressions are not necessary“, said the Bayern boss.
Manuel Neuer in Focus
Manuel Neuer, who was born in Gelsenkirchen and trained in the youth academy of FC Schalke, moved to FC Bayern in 2011 for €30 million. The 40‑year‑old goalkeeper, 2014 world champion, said that it was nice to stand again in the old stadium because he had spent 20 years there and his family lives there.
Bayern scout Premier League veteran Nick Pope as Neuer era nears end
Schalke supporters react
On his return, Neuer was met with whistles and insults; the supporters chanted among other things: „We are Schalke and you are not.“ Olaf Thon had called for respect and acceptance before the match, but the warning proved ineffective. Lothar Matthäus said Neuer should be welcomed with applause, especially in his final Bundesliga season, but the past counts for little.
Eberl emphasized that one may whistle because one is against Bayern, but such expressions are not necessary. He urged the fans to respect the line between sporting criticism and personal attacks.
Neuer himself spoke about a possible final season as a professional player: He has already talked about his future and does not expect to appear again in the Veltins Arena. The Bayern boss, however, remains firm in his clear position that respect for a player who has come through one's own youth system is essential.