“Then such expletives are out of order”: Bayern chief Max Eberl criticises Schalke fans

Bayern Munich’s board member for sport, Max Eberl, has sharply criticised the whistles and insults directed at Manuel Neuer in the 0-0 draw against FC Schalke 04. For Eberl, the reactions of the S04 supporters clearly went too far.

"Schalke fans, 95 per cent, chapeau, for what they have done, the other ... They should be proud that they produced such a great guy in their youth academy, who then made the breakthrough into world football, became the best goalkeeper in the world and a world champion. Then such expletives are not acceptable. You can whistle because you are against Bayern, but there is no need for those expressions," said Eberl after the match.

Neuer came through at Schalke 04 before joining Bayern Munich in 2011 for 30 million euros, and he clearly felt the hostility of the home support on his return. The North Curve let him know during the warm-up, and the 2014 World Cup winner was later booed for almost every touch and targeted with chants. Among other things, they chanted: "We are Schalke and you are not."

Before the game, former professional Olaf Thon, who also played for Schalke 04 and Bayern Munich, had called for "respect and acceptance" instead of whistles for Neuer. The appeal fell flat. Thon's former team-mate Lothar Matthäus also said on Sky: "Actually, they should welcome Manuel Neuer with applause, especially in his last Bundesliga year." But the past "counts for little", Matthäus said.

Neuer, though, did not let the abuse affect his special bond with his youth club. Quite the opposite, the return to his old stomping ground meant a lot to him: "It was nice to be back here. I spent 20 years here and learned everything. My family live here. I really enjoyed it very much."

There is also a chance it was Neuer's last appearance at Schalke as a professional. The 40-year-old is possibly playing his final season and is under contract with Bayern Munich only until the end of the campaign. "I have spoken more often about my future in recent weeks and do not expect to play at the Veltins-Arena again," said Neuer.