The Philadelphia Union positioned sporting director Ernst Tanner on administrative depart Wednesday as Main League Soccer reopened its investigation into his alleged misconduct.
The actions of each the Union and MLS come on the heels of a report by the Guardian on Tuesday that accused Tanner of racist, sexist and homophobic feedback throughout his seven years with the membership. That report got here after the MLS Gamers Affiliation filed a criticism to the league concerning the 59-year-old German in January.
“Following publication of a Guardian article that included new allegations and probably new info, MLS will reopen the investigation,” the league mentioned in a press release on Wednesday. “MLS maintains an nameless reporting hotline and encourages anybody with related info to come back ahead.”
The Union issued a press release of their very own on Wednesday.
“The Philadelphia Union takes all allegations of misconduct extraordinarily severely and is dedicated to sustaining a protected, respectful, and inclusive surroundings for everybody related to our membership,” the membership wrote. “Discrimination, harassment, or abusive conduct of any form has no place right here, and all employees are required to finish annual sensitivity coaching.
“Whereas a current MLS investigation was unable to corroborate allegations involving Sporting Director Ernst Tanner, MLS has suggested the Union that it will likely be reopening the investigation and the Union continues to cooperate totally.”
Per The Guardian, Tanner allegedly shouted a homophobic slur towards a referee throughout Philadelphia’s match in San Jose on June 10, 2023. Referee Nima Saghafi touched then-Earthquakes midfielder Jamiro Monteiro whereas escorting the participant to the bench, Tanner allegedly shouted: “Why do not you simply kiss him, you f—t.”
Per the report, “20 folks should’ve heard this” and that there “was a girl within the stands who was clearly horrified.”
In 2018, Tanner is alleged to have cautioned Union academy gamers that they “ought to by no means fear a couple of referee, until she’s a girl.”
“Girls ought to be within the kitchen, not being referees,” Tanner mentioned, per the report.
The report additionally particulars Tanner’s alleged feedback about Black gamers and Black referees missing “intelligence and functionality.”
By way of his lawyer, Tanner instructed the Guardian in a press release that he “firmly denies these accusations, a few of that are six or seven years outdated.” The lawyer’s assertion continued, “All through his profession spanning over three a long time in skilled soccer across the globe, Mr. Tanner has labored pretty and successfully in a various, multi-cultural world upholding excessive requirements of professionalism.”
The Union have certified for the postseason in every year underneath Tanner besides 2024, with the workforce advancing to the 2022 MLS Cup closing. Tanner obtained the manager of the 12 months award in 2022 and Philadelphia received the 2025 Supporters’ Protect.
–Discipline Stage Media
