Barcelona are “committed to combating gender-based violence” after Jerome Boateng’s backlash

Barcelona published a video of Boateng two days before the club’s first match at the Nou Camp after more than two years.

The club announced before the match, external A minute of silence will be observed “in memory of all women killed due to male violence on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.”

The video and the club’s subsequent announcement sparked criticism on social media, with fans describing it as “embarrassing” and “ridiculous”.

Barcelona said in a statement: “Jerome Boateng has no contractual relationship or active role within the club.

“His attendance was just a one-time educational visit as part of the in-person process of obtaining his coaching license.

“It was not an institutional call for any sporting or acting duties.

“The club remains fully committed to combating gender-based violence. We understand the sensitivity surrounding this issue and regret any perception of inconsistency.

“Our tributes and moments of remembrance to women killed by male violence are a core and non-negotiable value for us, and nothing that happened was intended to undermine that message.”

Last month, Boateng, who was in Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, was forced to cancel a training session he had arranged at Bayern Munich due to protests and violent reactions from fans.

Boateng ended his football career in September and plans to become a coach, after obtaining his UEFA B coaching license in November 2024.

Another former girlfriend of Boateng committed suicide in 2021. Reports in Germany at the time said he had recently ended their relationship.