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Borussia Dortmund will ban players\' parents from locker room areas after an incident involving Jobe Bellingham\'s father, Mark, following the teenager\'s disappointing Bundesliga debut against St. Pauli on Saturday.

Mark Bellingham traveled from England to watch his son\'s first Bundesliga appearance but confronted sporting director Sebastian Kehl in a restricted stadium area. He reportedly demanded explanations for why Jobe was substituted at half-time during the 3-3 draw in Hamburg.

Managing director Lars Ricken announced the new policy restricting locker room access to players, coaches, and officials only. Ricken told Sky TV there would be consequences but downplayed the severity of the disagreement with the Bellingham family.

Family Emotions After Debut Disappointment

Jobe Bellingham endured a difficult German league debut, replaced by Felix Nmecha at half-time as Dortmund struggled against newly-promoted St. Pauli. The 18-year-old\'s performance contrasted sharply with older brother Jude\'s successful 2020 debut, when he provided an assist in a 3-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach.

\"We got Jobe Bellingham because we built a trusting relationship with the parents over years,\" Ricken said. \"Now the family came especially over from England for their son\'s first Bundesliga game and wanted to meet Jobe after the match at the bus.\"

Clear Boundaries Established

Kehl emphasized the club\'s position on restricted areas following the incident. Sporting director Sebastian Kehl told Bild that active areas remain off-limits to families and agents going forward.

\"The active area is and stays restricted for players, coaches and officials, not families or agents,\" Kehl said. \"That won\'t happen again. That\'s what we\'ve clearly told all the parties involved.\"

Ricken stressed that Dortmund maintains positive relationships with player families but acknowledged the need for clearer boundaries. The incident was reportedly resolved the following day between all parties involved.

Via ESPN