Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner has been placed on leave after Major League Soccer reopned an investigation into accusations of engaging in racist, sexist and insensitive behavior in his seven years with the club.
According to The Guardian, Tanner is facing multiple allegations over his behavior – which includes an allegation of unwanted touching of a Union employee.
The outlet report that a lengthy complaint was filed by the MLS Players Association to the league, highlighting a number of alleged instances involving Tanner.
The complaint was initially filed in January and the outlet claim that 17 different sources have accused Tanner of alleged misconduct since his arrival in 2018.
Among those allegations were claims that Tanner spoke about Black players ‘like they were subhuman’ and that Black officials ‘lack intelligence and capability’.
Now, the Philadelphia team has said in a statement on Wednesday: ‘While a recent MLS investigation was unable to corroborate allegations involving Sporting Director Ernst Tanner, MLS has advised the Union that it will be reopening the investigation and the Union continues to cooperate fully. The Union has placed Mr. Tanner on administrative leave.’
Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner has been accused of engaging in behavior deemed as racist, sexist and insensitive over his seven years with the club
Tanner is also accused of making multiple misogynistic comments during his seven years with the Union – including saying ‘women don’t belong in men’s soccer’.
In one bombshell incident, according to the report, Tanner allegedly responded to an official, who was making contact with an opponent, by saying: ‘Why don’t you kiss him, you f****t’.
The allegations also claim that he touched a co-worker inappropriately ‘numerous times’, which was later reported to Union’s HR team.
A unnamed source told the outlet: ‘I know many people feel that stuff that has gone to HR has a way of getting buried.
‘Everybody always said, ‘Guys, all you can do is report things to HR.’ But sometimes it felt like anyone who reported s*** to our HR department just ended up getting pushed out.’
MLS said in a statement on Wednesday: ‘MLS recently concluded an investigation into allegations raised by the MLS Players Association… A majority of those contacted participated – several anonymously – while others declined.
‘After reviewing all available information and documentation, the investigation was unable to substantiate the allegations. Nonetheless, given the nature of the allegations, Mr. Tanner has been required to participate in a structured remedial program focused on professional workplace conduct.
‘Following publication of a Guardian article that included new allegations and potentially new information, MLS will reopen the investigation. MLS maintains an anonymous reporting hotline and encourages anyone with relevant information to come forward.’
The allegations also claim that he touched a co-worker inappropriately ‘numerous times’
Tanner has denied all the allegations. His legal representatives provided a statement to The Guardian, which read: ‘Ernst Tanner firmly denies these accusations.
‘Some of which are six or seven years old. Over the past seven years as the sporting director of the Philadelphia Union, Mr Tanner’s strong and savvy leadership has helped the Union win two Supporters Shields and an Eastern Conference title.
‘Throughout his career spanning over three decades in professional soccer around the globe, Mr Tanner has worked fairly and effectively in a diverse, multi-cultural world upholding high standards of professionalism.
‘Mr Tanner remains proud of the team’s success this season and his work with the Philadelphia Union.’
The outlet claim that Tanner’s legal team also provided evidence of five statements, from current and former colleagues, that claim he ‘fostered an inclusive environment’.
The report also claims that the Union have insisted that one of the MLSPA complaints had been dealt with internally.
In a statement, they said that Tanner was ‘found to have made potentially insensitive gender-based comments.
‘The Club took remedial steps to address this conduct, including through training and discussions with the Club’s leadership on appropriate workplace conduct.’
The Union have insisted that one of the MLSPA complaints had been dealt with internally
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Tanner previously worked for three European clubs before joining the Union in 2018
Meanwhile, according to the outlet, Major League Soccer acknowledged they had received a complaint from the MLSPA but insisted they had not been verified.
They supposedly conduct a months-long investigation and contacted a number of different individuals to get further information over the allegations.
They told the outlet that Tanner is ‘required to participate in a structured remedial program focused on professional workplace conduct’.
Prior to his time with time with the Union, Tanner previously worked for three European clubs: TSV 1860 Munich, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Red Bull Salzburg.
His most recent role, prior to joining Philadelphia, saw him work as the Academy and Youth Football Head at RB Salzburg from 2012-2018. In 2022, Tanner was named 2022 MLS Sporting Executive of the Year.
