By Ben Rumsby
Wolfsburg have disciplined striker Kevin Behrens over claims he refused to autograph a jersey featuring a rainbow logo and proclaimed: “I won’t sign that kind of gay shit.”
The Bundesliga club’s sporting director, Sebastian Schindzielorz, told Sky Germany “Kevin is now home alone,” after details of the alleged incident were made public on Wednesday.
Behrens, who has one cap for Germany, also apologised, saying in a statement: “My spontaneous comments were absolutely not okay.”
Those comments were made during an autograph-signing session last month, after which the 33-year-old was summoned to “an internal meeting” to explain his actions.
He remained part of a Wolfsburg squad led by former Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and was on the bench for their 3-1 win at Bochum on Saturday.
But he now faces an uncertain future, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.
Wolfsburg’s rainbow jerseyCredit: Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg, who began using jerseys featuring rainbow motifs five years ago to show their “support for diversity”, said in a statement: “During an internal meeting, statements were made that were not in line with VfL Wolfsburg’s stance. The incident was immediately dealt with internally.
“VfL Wolfsburg stresses that it is aware of its social responsibility. The club and its employees stand for diversity and tolerance, and fundamental values such as respect, honesty and openness have always been firmly anchored in the club’s philosophy.”
Behrens said: “My spontaneous comments were absolutely not okay. I would like to apologise for that. The issue was clearly discussed internally and I ask for your understanding that I do not wish to comment further on it.”
VfL Wolfsburg striker Kevin Behrens.Credit: Getty Images
The striker is also brother-in-law to Dutch volleyball player and convicted child rapist Steven van de Velde, whose participation at this summer’s Olympics caused a major storm.
Behrens made his one international appearance as a substitute in Germany’s 2-2 draw against Mexico last October following a superb season that saw him fire Union Berlin to Champions League qualification.
He had scored just once since joining Wolfsburg in January.
The club were previously engulfed by a homophobia and transphobia row over remarks made by Felix Nmecha – who is now at Borussia Dortmund – on social media. Nmecha had shared an Instagram post of a right-wing American commentator mocking the parent of a transgender child.
Midfielder Josip Brekalo also refused to wear a rainbow armband during his seven years at Wolfsburg due to his religious beliefs.
London Telegraph