The Philadelphia Union is in the midst of an MLS Cup run.
Unfortunately, a terrible situation has arisen for the team at the worst possible time.
Union sporting director Ernst Tanner has been placed on administrative leave as an investigation into years of sexist, racist, and homophobic behaviour is reopened by MLS.
Bombshell
Pablo Maurer of the Guardian broke this bombshell report. The complete details are available in his article. Discretion is advised for the details in statements allegedly made by Tanner.
In summary, Tanner made comments such as saying women don’t belong in men’s soccer, suggested black referees lack intelligence, and had touched female co-workers inappropriately in the Union front office. He also yelled an anti-gay slur towards a referee, which multiple fans and personnel heard in 2019.
The MLS opened an investigation in January to investigate the allegations. Per Maurer, the MLS was unable to corroborate the claims made against Tanner and ultimately closed the investigation. The only repercussion for Tanner was attending training on workplace behaviour.
Maurer also notes that the Union did have to discipline Tanner “early in his tenure” for making insensitive gender-based comments.
There are numerous allegations made against Tanner since joining the MLS and the Union. Ultimately, it is behaviour that multiple league and team officials knew was occurring. Despite the Union’s and MLS’s social media posts against hate speech of any kind, this behaviour was allowed to continue.
A Muddy Road Forward
Hate speech of any kind has no place anywhere. Ernst Tanner’s DNA is engraved into the Union’s foundation. While no official repercussions have been announced, it must be assumed that Tanner will be relieved of his duties as Union’s sporting director.
Tanner was a focal point in leading the Union from mediocre newcomers to a powerhouse soccer club. Tanner was at the helm for the Union’s first Supporters Shield trophy, MLS Cup run in 2022, and their successful revival in 2025.
The Union’s recent success now has a dark cloud looming over it.
Unfortunately, the coaching staff and players who had nothing to do with the situation now have to have their success put under fire. The Union will need to move to a new director just 1 year after rebuilding the roster into a new era.
As for 2025, head coach Bradley Carnell will need to put his best foot forward to keep his players focused. His Union side faces rivals NYCFC in the Eastern Conference semifinal.
Unfortunately, the Union’s successful 2025 campaign now comes with a dark cloud from Tanner’s hateful and disgusting behaviour.
Hats off to Pablo Maurer and the Guardian for ensuring these serious allegations are not swept under the rug.
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