Wolfsburg has taken action against their striker Kevin Behrens for his refusal to sign a jersey with a rainbow logo, accompanied by derogatory remarks. The incident has sparked controversy and led to Behrens issuing an apology for his inappropriate comments. The Bundesliga club’s sporting director, Sebastian Schindzielorz, expressed disappointment in Behrens’ behavior, stating that the player is now facing consequences for his actions.
Behrens, who has represented Germany once, admitted that his remarks were unacceptable and expressed regret over the situation. The incident occurred during an autograph-signing session, leading to Behrens being called in for an internal meeting to address the issue. Despite being part of the squad for Wolfsburg’s recent victory, Behrens’ future with the club remains uncertain as his contract is set to expire soon.
Wolfsburg, known for their support of diversity through the use of rainbow motifs on their jerseys, emphasized their commitment to tolerance and respect in a statement following the incident. The club reiterated its values of inclusivity and condemned Behrens’ actions as not aligning with their principles. Behrens acknowledged the severity of his comments and requested understanding as he refrained from further discussing the matter publicly.
In addition to the recent controversy, Behrens’ connection to his brother-in-law Steven van de Velde, a convicted child rapist, has raised eyebrows. Van de Velde’s involvement in the upcoming Olympics has stirred controversy, adding another layer to Behrens’ personal life. Despite these off-field distractions, Behrens has had a mixed season at Wolfsburg, struggling to replicate his past success on the field.
This incident is not the first time Wolfsburg has faced issues related to homophobia and intolerance. Previous controversies involving former players Felix Nmecha and Josip Brekalo have highlighted the need for a more inclusive and respectful environment within the club. Nmecha’s social media posts and Brekalo’s refusal to wear a rainbow armband due to religious beliefs have underscored the challenges of promoting diversity in professional sports.
As Wolfsburg navigates through this latest controversy involving Behrens, the club remains committed to upholding its values of respect, honesty, and openness. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs. Behrens’ apology and the internal actions taken by Wolfsburg signal a proactive approach to addressing issues of discrimination and intolerance within the club.
