Source:REUTERS/Karina Hessland
[Saba Sports News] According to German media reports, Lothar Matthäus provided commentary for the match between Borussia Dortmund and Hamburger SV on his 65th birthday. During the game, the stadium announcer at Borussia Dortmund asked the fans to sing happy birthday to Matthäus. At first, many fans joined in the chorus, but boos soon grew louder. Matthäus was magnanimous about the fans’ dissatisfaction: “Bayern Munich is not popular here, but I still want to thank those who sang instead of booing me. I am delighted to watch this top-class match on my birthday.” Nevertheless, Borussia Dortmund had prepared some special gifts for Matthäus. Head coach Niko Kovač presented him with a black gift box containing an original admission ticket for the Dortmund stadium. In addition, he received a special jersey commemorating the centenary of Dortmund’s old stadium, printed with the number 65 and his name Lothar.
The editor believes that I can understand the boos from the Dortmund fans. They sang at first, but then realized who they were singing for and switched to boos. However, Matthäus took it gracefully, because these are what his efforts have earned him—not just praise, but also boos.