Union fan groups criticize club’s response to suspension of sporting director Ernst Tanner
Philadelphia Union have had a woeful start to the season on the field. Photograph: Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images Amid the worst start to a season in team history, the Philadelphia Union’s largest supporters group has criticized the club’s response to the suspension of its sporting director, Ernst Tanner. Tanner, who was the subject of a league investigation into wide-ranging, alleged misconduct, was suspended by Major League Soccer without pay last week; the suspension runs through 1 June.
The Union released a boilerplate statement after the suspension was announced, with Tanner apologizing to the club and its supporters for the situation’s “impact. ” Tanner did not address any of the allegations made against him or offer an apology to any specific person. He has denied the allegations throughout.
Related: MLS executive who built a powerhouse faced allegations of sexist, racist and homophobic behavior Tanner was the subject of an MLS Players Association (MLSPA) complaint early last year, which alleged a history of misconduct during his eight-year tenure at the Union. That complaint spurred MLS to conduct a months-long investigation, with the league unable to corroborate the allegations against Tanner. An independent investigation by the Guardian in November 2025 was able to find supporting evidence for most of the MLSPA’s allegations and also raised new concerns about Tanner, who was accused of using racist, sexist and homophobic language and inappropriately touching a staff member.
After that report, MLS reopened its own investigation , eventually saying the sporting director had violated “MLS policies and standards of professional conduct” and levying Tanner’s suspension. The handling of the situation spurred Union supporters group the Sons of Ben, along with the Doopin’ Delinquents – a smaller, newer fan group – to issue statements late last week ahead of the club’s home match against the Chicago Fire, which the Union lost 2-1. “MLS has concluded that league and club leadership standards were violated,” the Sons of Ben said in their statement, posted on its social media accounts .
“That is serious. Supporters should not be asked to absorb that finding with only vague explanations and limited public accountability. Due process cannot exist without transparency, accountability, and a clear commitment to the values this league claims to uphold.
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