Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner has denied allegations of sexist, racist, and homophobic behaviour, following a Major League Soccer investigation that could not corroborate the claims. The allegations were outlined in a complaint filed by the MLS Players’ Association in January, which was obtained by the Guardian.
The complaint includes an alleged incident during a match in June 2023, where Tanner is said to have used a homophobic slur directed at a referee. Multiple sources claim the remark was audible to nearby fans. Tanner’s attorney said he “firmly denies these accusations, some of which are six or seven years old,” and stated that Tanner has maintained high professional standards throughout his career.
Seventeen sources have alleged various misbehaviours spanning Tanner’s seven-year tenure, including misogynistic comments, racially insensitive remarks about Black players and referees, and inappropriate physical contact with a co-worker. The Philadelphia Union stated they were not previously aware of the allegations and noted that Tanner underwent training after making potentially insensitive gender-based comments early in his tenure.
MLS confirmed receipt of the complaint and conducted an investigation that was unable to corroborate the allegations. Tanner continues to serve as sporting director, having built the Union into one of the league’s most successful teams.
