Wolfsburg striker Kevin Behrens has landed himself in trouble after “refusing to sign an autograph on a rainbow shirt promoting diversity” at a fan session.
The 33-year-old reportedly avoided the shirt on numerous occasions before going on a foul-mouthed rant, saying: “I’m not signing that kind of gay shit.”
An internal meeting was then called in which the striker was forced to explain his actions to sporting director Sebastian Schindzielorz. At this point, Behrens insisted that he had “no aversion to homosexuals”, image information.
The Bundesliga club said their player’s actions were “not in line with (their) stance” and he has since been suspended.
“Homophobia has no place among us, Kevin is now alone at home,” Schindzielorz said, according to Sky Germany.
Wolfsburg striker Kevin Behrens has landed himself in trouble after “refusing to sign an autograph on a rainbow shirt that promotes diversity.”
The 33-year-old (centre) reportedly avoided the shirt on numerous occasions before going on a foul-mouthed rant, saying: “I’m not signing that kind of gay shit.”
The forward had a brilliant 2022-23 campaign in which he guided his former club, Union Berlin, to the Champions League.
Behrens, who has just one year left on his contract, has barely appeared on the pitch this season for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Wolfsburg, playing just 42 minutes in three brief substitute appearances.
The former Germany international was on the bench for the full 90 minutes during Saturday’s impressive 3-1 win in Bochum.
But it’s his off-field actions that have earned him unwanted attention after the September signing session went awry.
While other players were writing autographs on jerseys and other products, to be auctioned for charity and in various competitions, someone approached Behrens offering him a rainbow jersey.
The kit, which features the pattern on parts of the garment, including the number on the back, was introduced five years ago to show Wolfsburg’s “support for diversity” and several new editions of the shirt, as well as scarves, cups and pins. , have been released since then.
After discussing the incident with Behrens, Wolfsburg said: “During an internal meeting statements were made that were not in line with the position of VfL Wolfsburg. The incident was immediately dealt with internally.
‘VfL Wolfsburg emphasizes that it is aware of its social responsibility. The club and its employees champion diversity and tolerance, and core values such as respect, honesty and openness have always been firmly anchored in the club’s philosophy.’
Meanwhile, Behrens said: ‘My spontaneous comments were not right at all. I would like to apologize for that.
“The matter was clearly discussed internally and I ask for your understanding that I do not wish to comment further on this matter.”
The striker was in the squad for the victory in Bochum, although he did not participate.
In addition to sporting a rainbow jersey, Wolfsburg is believed to raise awareness among its employees, including players, on related issues in a diversity training session.
Behrens made his only international appearance in a 2-2 draw against Mexico last October, taking the field for just three minutes.
The saga comes after Wolfsburg player Felix Nmecha made allegedly transphobic comments in a social media post in 2023.
In a similar controversy, midfielder Josip Brekalo refused to wear a rainbow bracelet five years earlier.
The end came after a brilliant 2022-23 campaign in which the striker guided his former club Union Berlin to the Champions League, but since signing in January he has scored just one goal.
The saga comes after Wolfsburg player Felix Nmecha made allegedly transphobic comments in a social media post in 2023.
In a similar controversy, midfielder Josip Brekalo refused to wear a rainbow bracelet five years earlier.