German professional soccer club VfL Wolfsburg has disciplined player Kevin Behrens after he refused to sign a gay pride shirt and made homophobic comments to a fan who asked for his autograph.
The player is said to have refused to sign a Wolfsburg shirt that featured the rainbow logo of the LGBTQ pride flag. Mr. Behrens also reportedly said, “I don't sign contracts with gay people.” [crap]'' according to multiple reports.
Behrens has since apologized for the incident.
“My unsolicited comments were completely unacceptable and I would like to apologize for that. Please understand that this matter was clearly discussed internally and I do not wish to comment further,” Behrens said in a statement. I want to,” he said.
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VfL Wolfsburg released a statement on the matter earlier this week.
“During an internal meeting, statements were made that were not in line with VfL Wolfsburg's position. The incident was immediately dealt with internally. VfL Wolfsburg emphasizes that it is aware of its social responsibility. The club and its employees The club values diversity and tolerance, and core values such as respect, honesty and openness have always been firmly embedded in the club's philosophy,” the statement said.
Wolfsburg's Kevin Behrens during a pre-season friendly against Brentford at the G-Tech Community Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Jack Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
“For many years now, the city of Wolfsburg has regularly set an example against diversity and discrimination,” the city of Wolfsburg said on a page dedicated to diversity on its official website.
According to multiple reports, Behrens has been suspended by the team. However, there are also multiple reports indicating that he is still participating in the team's training sessions.
VfL Wolfsburg did not respond to a request for comment from FOX News Digital.
Behrens joined the team in January after spending three years at Union Berlin. He was called up to the German national team at the beginning of last season. His international debut came in October last year, when he came on as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against the United States.
He has made three substitute appearances for Wolfsburg this season, playing a total of 42 minutes.
Wolfsburg captain Maximilian Arnold, who proudly wore the rainbow captain's armband for two seasons as a symbol of unity, condemned Behrens' comments.
Arnold told reporters: “Kevin apologized for something that was clearly not okay. We all make mistakes. One thing is clear: something like this should never happen again, but everyone should It means you have the right to a second chance.”
Behrens is not the first person to be accused of homophobia that has led to backlash, sanctions and discipline in football.
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An intersex Pride Progress flag stands alongside the Transgender Pride flag in London on June 10, 2024. (Mike Kemp/Photo via Getty Images)
In May, France's sports minister called for sanctions against Monaco soccer club after one of its players, Mohamed Kamara, covered his jersey with an LGBTQ support message during their final league match.
French Sports Minister Amélie Houdea-Castella said Mohammad Camara's actions were “unacceptable” and called for “firm sanctions” against both the player and the club.
Kamara, a Muslim, covered his badge with white tape and refused to take part in a pre-game photo shoot in front of a banner with the same message.
France's Equality Minister Aurore Berger said: “Homophobia is not an opinion, it is a crime.” I wrote it to X. “And homophobia kills. Mohamed Kamara must be severely punished.”
Kamara missed the first four games of this year's Ligue de Football Professionnel season.
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In 2021, all Mexican national team fans were banned from participating in a World Cup qualifier after the fan used a Spanish-language chant that included language considered a gay slur. The team was forced to play its home qualifying round in an empty stadium and had to pay a $73,000 fine.
Mexican Football Federation President Yon de Luisa addressed the ban on fans at a summer press conference and acknowledged that the chants are a long-standing tradition for the team.
soccer ball (Getty Images)
“For many years, that has been our discussion in the Mexican federation,” De Luisa said. “That's no longer up for debate. If it's discriminatory, we should avoid it.”
FIFA independently announced Disciplinary regulations According to this rule, if offensive chants are used, the referee is expected to give one warning to the spectators, but if it continues, the referee must abandon the match. , the players are sent to the locker room.
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