Wolfsburg striker Kevin Behrens has found himself in a challenging situation after a recent incident during a fan event.
The 33-year-old reportedly declined to sign a rainbow jersey, which is part of the club’s initiative to promote diversity.
His refusal escalated quickly, as he was heard making offensive remarks, saying, “I won’t sign that kind of gay s***.”
Internal Meeting and Club Response
Following the incident, Wolfsburg’s sporting director, Sebastian Schindzielorz, called for an internal meeting to address Behrens’ behavior.
During this meeting, the striker asserted that he “had no aversion to homosexuals,” according to reports from Bild.
However, the club was quick to distance itself from his actions, emphasizing that they do not align with Wolfsburg’s values.
In a statement, Schindzielorz remarked, “Homophobia has no place with us; Kevin is now home alone.”
Behrens’ Limited Playing Time
This controversy is particularly notable as Behrens has not seen much action on the pitch this season, with only 42 minutes of playtime in three brief appearances.
He was notably absent from the lineup during Wolfsburg’s recent 3-1 victory at Bochum, where he remained on the bench for the full match.
Instead of making headlines for his performance, he now faces scrutiny for his off-field actions.
The Background of the Rainbow Jersey
The rainbow jersey that sparked the controversy has been part of Wolfsburg’s efforts to support diversity for five years.
The shirt includes a rainbow pattern on various parts of the design, including the number on the back.
During the fan session, while other players eagerly signed jerseys and merchandise for charity auctions, Behrens chose to ignore the rainbow shirt offered to him.
Wolfsburg’s Commitment to Diversity
In response to the incident, Wolfsburg issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to social responsibility.
They made it clear that diversity and tolerance are core values for the club, stating, “Respect, honesty, and openness have always been firmly anchored in the club’s philosophy.”
Additionally, the club reportedly provides diversity training to its employees, including players, to foster a more inclusive environment.
Behrens’ Apology and Future
In light of the backlash, Behrens has since acknowledged that his comments were inappropriate.
He stated, “My spontaneous comments were absolutely not okay. I would like to apologize for that.”
He also requested understanding from the public, indicating that he does not wish to discuss the matter further.
Despite the controversy, Behrens remains a part of the squad, although he did not participate in the recent match against Bochum.
It’s worth noting that he made just one international appearance, coming on as a substitute for a mere three minutes during a 2-2 draw against Mexico last October.
His performance at Union Berlin, where he helped secure a Champions League spot, contrasts sharply with his current struggles at Wolfsburg, where he has scored only one goal since his transfer in January.
A History of Controversy at Wolfsburg
This incident is not the first of its kind at Wolfsburg.
Last year, midfielder Felix Nmecha faced criticism for allegedly making transphobic remarks in a social media post, and five years ago, Josip Brekalo refused to wear a rainbow armband, highlighting ongoing challenges within the club regarding inclusivity and acceptance.
With Behrens now in the spotlight, it raises questions about the future direction of the club’s commitment to diversity and the impact of such controversies on its reputation.