England football legend Sir Geoff Hurst has publicly criticized Mark Bellingham, father of rising star Jobe Bellingham, for confronting Borussia Dortmund officials after his son was substituted during a Bundesliga clash. Hurst labeled the behavior “an absolute disgrace” and warned against excessive parental involvement in professional football.
Hurst Blasts Bellingham Senior for Post-Match Confrontation
Sir Geoff Hurst, the only man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final for England, did not hold back in his criticism of Mark Bellingham. Speaking at a recent event in Bristol, the 1966 World Cup hero expressed dismay over a reported incident in which Bellingham confronted Dortmund staff after Jobe was substituted at halftime during a 3-3 draw against St. Pauli.
Jobe Bellingham had joined Dortmund from Sunderland in the summer for a reported £33 million fee, and the draw marked one of his early appearances in the Bundesliga. With Dortmund leading 3-1 at halftime, his withdrawal raised eyebrows—but it was the reaction from his father that sparked headlines.
According to reports, Mark Bellingham waited in the tunnel after the match to speak directly with sporting director Sebastian Kehl and allegedly requested a meeting with head coach Niko Kovac.
“An Absolute Joke”: Hurst Urges Restraint from Parents
Reacting to the incident, Hurst was unequivocal in his condemnation.
“A thing that has irritated me is a picture in one of the papers about the most powerful man in English football – and it’s Jude Bellingham’s father,” Hurst said. “He was complaining when his son was taken off in a game – and that is an absolute joke. If you don’t eradicate that kind of thing, that is an absolute disgrace.”
The former West Ham and Stoke City striker suggested that parental interference at the professional level could be damaging for players, clubs, and the sport itself.
Dortmund Plays Down Drama but Promises Protocol Changes
Despite the controversy, Borussia Dortmund’s managing director Lars Ricken sought to calm the situation. Speaking on Sky90 – The Football Debate, Ricken confirmed the Bellingham family had flown in for Jobe’s Bundesliga debut and were emotional after the match.
“They stood in the hallway to the locker room and had an emotional conversation with Sebastian,” Ricken explained. “It’s not a problem given the relationship we’ve built over the years. But going forward, we will ensure that the locker room and tunnel areas remain restricted.”
Ricken added that the situation had been “resolved” internally and emphasized there was “no drama” between the club and the Bellingham family.
Hurst on England’s Managerial Direction: “Results Will Decide Tuchel’s Fate”
In the same event, Sir Geoff Hurst also weighed in on the current England managerial setup, offering his thoughts on Thomas Tuchel’s leadership. While Hurst admitted he typically prefers a domestic manager leading the national team, he acknowledged Tuchel’s strong résumé.
“He appears to have all the credentials to be a successful England manager,” Hurst said. “But it just comes down to results.”
He highlighted that the most successful England managers historically—such as Sir Alf Ramsey—have been English and suggested that national identity can play an important role in connecting with players.
