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Guardian Details Misconduct Allegations Against Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner

An earlier MLS investigation ended unsubstantiated with a mandate for conduct training.

Overview

  • The report draws from an MLSPA complaint alleging eight incidents since 2018, with the Guardian saying it corroborated six through 17 sources and documents.
  • Allegations include racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks toward referees and players, plus an accusation of unwanted touching that was reported to the club’s HR department.
  • MLS said it contacted more than a dozen subjects and closed its probe in September without substantiating the claims, and it required Tanner to complete a structured remedial program.
  • The Philadelphia Union said Tanner was found to have made potentially insensitive gender-based comments early in his tenure and that the club provided training and leadership discussions on workplace conduct.
  • Tanner, through his attorney, denies the accusations, and both MLS and the Union say they will revisit the matter if new information is provided.