VfL Wolfsburg, a German professional soccer club, has confirmed that player Kevin Behrens remains with the team and is participating in training sessions despite a recent incident. Behrens refused to sign a gay pride shirt and used offensive language towards a fan who requested it. The club has stated that they are handling the situation internally and continue to advocate for diversity and an open society. Behrens has since apologized for his actions, acknowledging that his comments were not acceptable.
Teammate Maximilian Arnold, who serves as Wolfsburg’s captain, has shown support for the LGBTQ community by wearing a rainbow captain’s armband for two seasons. Arnold expressed that Behrens apologized for his behavior and that everyone deserves a second chance. The club has also highlighted player Yannick Gerhardt’s commitment to opposing far-right extremism and discrimination in a recent video interview. Gerhardt acknowledged his privileged position as a White, German man and emphasized the importance of standing up against discrimination in all forms.
Behrens, who joined Wolfsburg in January after playing for Union Berlin for three years, made his international debut for the German national team last season. Despite the incident involving the gay pride shirt, Behrens has continued training with the team and remains a part of the squad. The club’s philosophy of respect, tolerance, sincerity, and openness guides their approach to addressing issues like discrimination and promoting diversity within their ranks.
The team spokesperson for VfL Wolfsburg has emphasized that while the incident involving Behrens was regrettable, they are focused on handling the situation internally and upholding their values of respect and inclusivity. The club’s commitment to diversity and openness is evident in their efforts to support movements like ‘Black Lives Matter’ and to promote equal treatment for all individuals. Behrens’ apology for his actions demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow from the experience, with teammates expressing support for giving him a second chance.
The incident involving Behrens, his refusal to sign a gay pride shirt, and his use of offensive language have sparked discussions within the team about the importance of standing up against discrimination and promoting equality. Wolfsburg’s players, including Arnold and Gerhardt, have taken a stance against far-right extremism and discrimination, emphasizing the need for all individuals to advocate for human rights and equal treatment. The club’s philosophy of openness and tolerance continues to guide their approach to addressing such issues and fostering a culture of respect within their team.
In light of recent events, VfL Wolfsburg has reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for diversity and inclusivity, despite the challenges presented by incidents like Behrens’ refusal to sign a gay pride shirt. The club’s ongoing support for movements promoting equality and human rights, as well as the internal discussions and actions taken in response to the incident, reflect a commitment to fostering a culture of respect and openness within the team. Behrens’ apology and the support of teammates like Arnold and Gerhardt demonstrate a willingness to learn from mistakes and work towards creating a more inclusive environment for all individuals involved in the sport.