MLS re-opens investigation into Philadelphia Union executive as team puts him on leave

Philadelphia Union Executive Ernst Tanner to Face Reopened Investigation Amid Allegations of Racist, Sexist Language and Inappropriate Behavior.

Major League Soccer (MLS) has reopened its investigation into Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner following a new article published by The Guardian. Tanner had previously been under investigation in late January after the league received a complaint from the MLS Players Association, which outlined numerous allegations of racist, sexist, and homophobic language, as well as instances of inappropriate physical contact.

The claims against Tanner include misogynistic comments made towards female referees, homophobic slurs directed at an MLS referee in 2023, and derogatory remarks about Black players. Additionally, he allegedly touched a co-worker inappropriately "numerous times" and hired an underqualified coach who was abusive to players on the reserve team.

MLSA alleged that these actions are not only unprofessional but also create a hostile work environment for female referees and players. Despite being unable to corroborate all the allegations during its initial investigation, MLS decided to reopen the inquiry after new information came to light.

The Philadelphia Union has placed Tanner on administrative leave while the investigation unfolds. The club stated that their top priority remains the well-being of their players, fans, staff, and community.

Tanner's reputation as one of the most respected executives in MLS history is now under scrutiny. During his seven-year tenure with the Union, the team won its first two trophies and consistently produced players for the US national team. However, Tanner has always denied the allegations against him.

This development comes at a critical time for the Philadelphia Union, who are currently participating in the MLS playoffs. On Sunday evening, they will face off against NYC FC in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, and fans are left wondering how this situation might impact the team's performance on the field.

I'm really disappointed to hear about Ernst Tanner. He was like a legend in the soccer world, but it turns out he had a dark side. I mean, who uses that kind of language? And allegedly touching people inappropriately? That's just wrong. The MLS Players Association and female referees deserve so much better than that.

I'm glad the league is reopening the investigation, though. You can't just sweep this stuff under the rug. It's got to be taken seriously. The Philadelphia Union needs to get their act together, both on and off the field. Fans have a right to know what's going on, especially when it comes to someone in such a powerful position.

I'm worried about how this is gonna affect the team's performance in the playoffs. Can you imagine being on the field, knowing that your coach might be saying some of that stuff behind the scenes? It's just not professional. The Union needs to sort this out ASAP and show their fans that they're committed to a positive work environment.

I'm low-key shocked that Tanner's reputation didn't withstand for this long . I mean, I always thought he was one of those 'no-nonsense' kinda guys, but it sounds like that facade crumbled really fast . The fact that MLS decided to reopen the investigation after all these months is a huge bummer for fans who've been loyal to the Union . Now, it's gonna be super hard to shake off the negativity around the team, especially with playoffs coming up. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Tanner gets cleared of everything, but if he doesn't... well, the damage is already done . The players and staff deserve better than this .

This is soooo disappointing!!! Ernst Tanner's behavior is absolutely unacceptable . He has been accused of using racist & sexist language, making homophobic slurs & even touching someone inappropriately ! How can you be so unprofessional? The fact that he denied all allegations doesn't make it right . Major League Soccer should really do more to address this kind of behavior ️.

It's also super worrying for the players, especially female referees & Black players . They deserve respect & support from their colleagues & employers . The fact that he allegedly made misogynistic comments towards female refs is just ! How can we expect him to lead by example when he can't even treat others with basic human dignity?

I hope the investigation finds out more about what really went on and makes sure that everyone involved gets held accountable . The Philadelphia Union's season should not be affected by this scandal ️. They need to focus on winning, but also on creating a safe & inclusive environment for all their players, staff & fans !

Oh my gosh, I'm literally shook by this news! Ernst Tanner was already a household name in the soccer world, but to think that he was allegedly making people of color and women feel disrespected and objectified is just heartbreaking . As a fan of sports, you want to see your idols behave with class and integrity, but it sounds like Tanner was more concerned with being "tough" on the field than treating his teammates and refs with respect .

I'm not surprised that MLS decided to reopen the investigation after new info came out – we've seen too many times in recent years how silence can be complicity. It's amazing that Tanner is under admin leave while the investigation unfolds, but I hope it goes far beyond just a slap on the wrist . The fact that the Union put their top priority as "the well-being of their players, fans, staff, and community" shows they're at least trying to do the right thing .

As for how this will impact the team's performance in the playoffs... honestly, it's hard to say – but I'm hoping that the Union can rise above this situation and show that they're a team that values respect and inclusivity . And let's be real, if Tanner is guilty (and there's enough evidence to suggest he might be), then the MLS needs to take some serious action to make sure this kind of behavior doesn't happen again .

This is just awful. I don't know what's more disturbing, the allegations themselves or that he's been able to hide it for so long . As a parent, I want my kids to grow up in an environment where everyone is treated with respect and kindness. It's heartbreaking to think that some people, especially in positions of power, might be perpetuating a culture of toxicity . The fact that he's still denying it all these years shows how entrenched he must have been in his ways . I can only imagine how the players, female referees, and staff must feel about working under him .

man this is like so not cool Ernst Tanner has always been known for being one of the most respected people in MLS but now it's like everything he did is coming back to haunt him all these allegations of racist sexist and homophobic language that's just unacceptable I'm hoping that he'll get some serious consequences for his actions especially since he's on admin leave already it's not just about him though this is an example of how power and privilege can be used to bully people who are already marginalized if the MLS Players Association couldn't get anything done during their initial investigation why did they reopen the inquiry now? it feels like there was new info that came out and it's time for some accountability

Ugh, can't believe what's goin' on with Ernst Tanner . I mean, I knew some people thought he was a bit sketchy, but this is just crazy talk . All these allegations of racist and sexist language? That's not cool at all. And the fact that he allegedly touched someone inappropriately like that... yikes! It's no wonder MLS decided to reopen the investigation.

You gotta think about the fans, too - they're gonna be worried about their team, you know? I'm no fan of the Union (I'm more of a LAFC guy myself), but this is just not right. You want your leaders to conduct themselves in a way that's respectful and professional, especially when it comes to something like this. It's gotta be tough for the players and staff to deal with all these allegations, too.

Tanner's got some big shoes to fill if he wants to prove himself again. I'm not gonna jump to his defense or anything (I don't know him, lol), but you gotta give him a chance to clear his name, right?

this is so disappointing to see someone with so much power and influence being accused of such hurtful behavior... it just goes to show that we still have a long way to go in terms of creating a culture of respect and inclusivity if someone like Tanner, who's been so successful on the field, can't even get it right when it comes to treating people with dignity off the field, then what does that say about us as a society? let's not just focus on holding people accountable for their actions, but also on creating a culture where everyone feels safe and valued

I'm really disappointed in what's going down with Ernst Tanner... I mean, seven years is a long time to be associated with an organization, you'd think he'd have learned some boundaries by now . The fact that these allegations are being reopened and the Union is putting him on admin leave makes me wonder if there's more to it than we know... I'm still trying to process all this info...

man..this is crazy ...i mean ernst tanner was always seen as this cool guy in the mlb but now it turns out he's been using super racist and sexist language behind closed doors . it's like he had a whole different persona going on. i feel bad for the players and refs who have to deal with that kinda thing. it's not just about him though, it's about how this reflects on the league as a whole . if you can't keep your workplace safe and respectful, what else are you gonna get wrong? ...anyway, i'm curious to see how this affects the union's games, especially with the playoffs coming up ️.

This news is super worrying. I mean, an investigation was already going on but new info came to light and now MLS is reopening it. It's like, we're not even surprised anymore . The allegations are just, wow... Ernst Tanner's reputation is taking a huge hit, and I don't blame anyone for doubting his integrity right now.

As a fan of the Philadelphia Union, I'm feeling kinda torn. On one hand, I love seeing our team succeed and win trophies , but on the other hand, I want to support my team and players in doing what's right . The MLS Players Association has spoken out for the refs and players, and it's so important that their voices are heard.

We gotta be more mindful of how our sports teams handle these situations - not just about winning games but also about creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved

omg, can you believe what's going on with Ernst Tanner? like, i'm all for holding people accountable for their actions, but these allegations are super serious... racist, sexist, homophobic language & behavior towards his own staff & players? that's just not cool . and to think he's been a respected figure in the league for years... it's like, how could he be so clueless? or worse, actively dismissive of people who spoke out against him? . this whole situation is super uncomfortable to read about, but i'm glad the MLS is taking action & reopening the investigation. maybe now Tanner can reflect on his behavior & figure out what he's done wrong... and hopefully, it won't affect the Union's season too much . what do you guys think? should teams be more transparent about their hiring & disciplinary processes?

This is just another example of how someone's reputation can be turned upside down by new info coming to light. I remember when I was working, we had a colleague who thought they were above everyone else, but it all came crashing down after some coworkers spoke up about their behavior. It's sad that it takes someone getting in trouble for others to speak up and share their experiences. As a retiree, I've seen how fast things can change when the truth comes out, and it's not always pretty.

The MLS needs to get to the bottom of this and make sure something like this never happens again. It's not just about Ernst Tanner, it's about creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone in the workplace. I'm worried about how this is going to affect the team's performance, but I hope they can get through this tough time and come out stronger on the other side. ️

omg, this is soooo not what we need right now! i'm trying to focus on my exams and Tanner's drama is really distracting ... i feel bad for the female referees who have to deal with that kind of language, it's just unacceptable. and yeah, the whole situation with the coach being abusive to reserve team players is just gross . tanner might be a legend in the football world but apparently he's got some serious attitude issues ... what if his behavior affects the team's performance on the field? it's not like we haven't seen this kind of thing happen before in sports ... anyway, i hope MLS takes care of this situation ASAP so everyone can focus on the playoffs without all this drama .

"Actions speak louder than words" . It seems like Ernst Tanner's actions have finally caught up with him. The fact that his reputation is now under scrutiny due to these serious allegations is a sign of accountability and a step in the right direction. Fans and players alike deserve to feel safe and respected in their workplace, and it's heartbreaking to hear about the alleged incidents that created a hostile environment for those involved.

As the investigation unfolds, let's hope that Tanner takes this opportunity to reflect on his behavior and make amends if necessary. The Philadelphia Union's fans are watching closely, hoping that their team can rise above this situation and perform at its best in the playoffs .

man this is getting crazy! tanner's rep is being totally torn apart and i feel bad for the union, they're already under pressure to perform and now this... he's gotta step up his game ASAP, all these allegations are super serious and can't be just swept under the rug. gotta get to the bottom of it

can't believe what's going down with ernst tanner his rep is being totally shredded and i'm not surprised anymore sadly think mls has finally caught up with its own toxic culture and it's about time gotta ask though, how many people actually spoke out against him when the first allegations came out? seems like there were a few players who remained mum on the issue