Overview

• Speaking to ABC News, the injured St. Pauli captain called the Instagram messages from supervisory‑board member René Born “deeply hurtful” and thanked supporters for their backing.
• Born’s since‑deleted comments included “No one is bigger than the club” and “This is our club, not yours… you’ll be gone in a few months,” posted under a photo of Irvine and his wife.
• Irvine said he hopes action is taken and that the matter can be resolved, while avoiding detailed public discussion of the club’s internal handling.
• The dispute traces to Irvine’s pro‑Palestinian displays, including wearing an “FC Palestine” shirt, with critics saying he has not clearly affirmed Israel’s right to exist; fan forums have swelled with calls for clarity.
• St. Pauli said it has distanced itself from the posts and held internal talks; Irvine’s wife identified the account as Born’s and denied receiving any apology, and on Monday local media reported Irvine suffered a head knock in training with the severity not yet known.