PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Union have placed sporting director Ernst Tanner on administrative leave following published reports of racist, sexist and homophobic remarks.
Major League Soccer said the new allegations in a Guardian article published on Wednesday prompted it to reopen an earlier investigation into concerns about Tanner’s behavior.
The article cited 17 unnamed sources alleging he used a homophobic remark toward another referee, inappropriately touched a co-worker multiple times and hired an underqualified and verbally abusive coach.
Tanner was also accused of saying “women don’t belong in men’s soccer” and that referee Tori Penso “should go back to women’s soccer.”
Others alleged that Tanner said black referees “lack intelligence and capability,” and spoke about black players “like they were subhuman.”
Last year, Tanner fired popular coach Jim Curtin, a move sources said further empowered the sporting director.
In a statement, the league said it had investigated previous allegations from the MLS Players Association, but were unable to substantiate the allegations and required Tanner to participate in a program focused on workplace conduct.
The Union said in a separate statement that it “takes all allegations of misconduct extremely seriously and is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone associated with our club,” and that it has placed Tanner on administrative leave.
An attorney for Tanner told the Guardian his client denied the accusations, noting some were six or seven years old. His legal team also sent the Guardian statements of support from two current Union employees.
The allegations re-emerged ahead of the team’s scheduled Sunday showdown in the second round of the MLS playoffs against New York City FC.