Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner has been placed on administrative leave as Major League Soccer reopens its investigation into him. The move comes after a Guardian investigation published allegations against Tanner, including racist, sexist, and homophobic language, as well as instances of physical contact with a staff member.
The MLS Players Association had initially raised concerns about Tanner's conduct in late January, outlining eight alleged issues that included the use of derogatory language and inappropriate behavior. Tanner denied these allegations, stating he firmly denies them and expressed his commitment to clearing his name and reputation during this critical time for the team.
However, despite an initial investigation finding no evidence to corroborate all of the allegations against Tanner in September, MLS has now reopened its probe after new information came to light. The league stated that it would reopen the investigation following publication of a Guardian article with additional allegations.
Tanner has been a key figure at the Philadelphia Union for seven years, leading the team to its first two trophies and producing numerous players for the US national team. However, his tenure has also been marred by controversy, including allegations of misogynistic comments, homophobic slurs, and physical contact with staff members.
The league's decision to reopen the investigation puts pressure on Tanner to address these concerns, particularly as the Union navigates its playoffs run. The club has stated that it will cooperate fully with the investigation, prioritizing the well-being of its players, fans, staff, and community.
Tanner faces serious allegations, including directing homophobic slurs at an MLS referee in 2023 and making misogynistic comments about female referees. He also allegedly spoke about Black players as if they were "subhuman" and questioned the intelligence and capability of Black referees.
The Union's academy has produced multiple players who have generated significant transfer fees for the club, but these achievements come against a backdrop of controversy surrounding Tanner's behavior. The league's decision to reopen its investigation raises questions about whether Tanner can continue in his role and how the team will navigate this challenging period.
The MLS Players Association had initially raised concerns about Tanner's conduct in late January, outlining eight alleged issues that included the use of derogatory language and inappropriate behavior. Tanner denied these allegations, stating he firmly denies them and expressed his commitment to clearing his name and reputation during this critical time for the team.
However, despite an initial investigation finding no evidence to corroborate all of the allegations against Tanner in September, MLS has now reopened its probe after new information came to light. The league stated that it would reopen the investigation following publication of a Guardian article with additional allegations.
Tanner has been a key figure at the Philadelphia Union for seven years, leading the team to its first two trophies and producing numerous players for the US national team. However, his tenure has also been marred by controversy, including allegations of misogynistic comments, homophobic slurs, and physical contact with staff members.
The league's decision to reopen the investigation puts pressure on Tanner to address these concerns, particularly as the Union navigates its playoffs run. The club has stated that it will cooperate fully with the investigation, prioritizing the well-being of its players, fans, staff, and community.
Tanner faces serious allegations, including directing homophobic slurs at an MLS referee in 2023 and making misogynistic comments about female referees. He also allegedly spoke about Black players as if they were "subhuman" and questioned the intelligence and capability of Black referees.
The Union's academy has produced multiple players who have generated significant transfer fees for the club, but these achievements come against a backdrop of controversy surrounding Tanner's behavior. The league's decision to reopen its investigation raises questions about whether Tanner can continue in his role and how the team will navigate this challenging period.
This whole thing is super messed up... Ernst Tanner's history is just too long and too dirty 
. I mean, 7 years at the Union and he's made a real mess of things. The allegations aren't just about 'he said' - they're about a culture of abuse and disrespect that's been allowed to thrive under his leadership. And now, with new info coming out, it's clear that some folks in the MLS are finally taking these concerns seriously.
I'm shocked that it took the MLS so long to take action against Tanner, considering all the allegations that have been out there for years! Like, what's taking so long? Seven years is way too long to be dealing with someone who's allegedly made players feel uncomfortable and disrespected. And now, he's got a chance to redeem himself, but it's gonna be tough. I'm not sure if the Union can trust him completely at this point. Tanner's gotta face up to his mistakes and apologize properly or else he's outta there! 
Ernst Tanner was always known for being a bit abrasive, but this level of insensitivity is just low 
The fact that he's been doing this behind the scenes and getting away with it is appalling 
The Union's players deserve so much better than to be surrounded by this toxic behavior 
It's time for Tanner to step down, not just from his job, but from the game altogether 
️
. I mean, 7 years is a long time, but if he's been spewing all that toxic crap behind people's backs, it's no wonder the league is reopening the investigation 
. The fact that the MLSPA brought up 8 allegations and Tanner still denied them shows me he's not taking this seriously 
. Can't wait to see how this plays out, but hopefully Tanner steps up and owns up to what he's done 
This is so disappointing 
. I mean, seven years of leading the Union and producing amazing players, but apparently, it was all tainted by this stuff 
. I don't think it's okay for anyone to use racist, sexist, or homophobic language, regardless of who they are or what role they have in the team 
. But at this point, I'm not sure if it's too little, too late 
. What's going to happen to the team now? Will they be able to move forward from all this drama 
?
. Seven years is a long time to be in one position, especially when it comes to shaping young lives through sports development. It's like they're being held back by the past 
. The fact that he directed homophobic slurs at an MLS referee in 2023 is just outrageous 
.
. Cooperating fully with the investigation will be tough for Tanner, especially when it comes to his legacy 
.
, but now it's like... how did we not know about all these allegations? 
. I'm not gonna lie, some of the stuff he allegedly said about Black players and referees is just straight-up disgusting 
. Maybe this is an opportunity for him to step up and prove himself? 
but I'm not holding my breath...
Can you believe what's going on with Ernst Tanner? Like, seven years at the Philly Union and everyone just knew about the drama already 
... can't say i'm surprised, though. been hearing rumors about his behavior for ages 
. don't get me wrong, he's done some cool stuff for the team, but this kinda thing ruins everything 
I'm literally shocked by this news... like what kind of guy uses that kind of language? 
I feel so bad for the staff member who had physical contact with him... 
#JusticeForTheUnionFans #AccountabilityMatters 