Kevin Behrens apologizes for anti-gay comment after rainbow kit incident

German footballer Kevin Behrens has found himself in trouble after refusing to sign a rainbow jersey that promotes diversity.

National newspaper Bild reported that the 33-year-old striker, who plays for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, Germany’s top flight, made a homophobic comment and refused to sign the jersey in September.

It has been reported that the star, who previously played for Werder Bremen and Union Berlin, was in a signing session with several other players in September when the incident occurred.

The players signed items to be sold for charity events. Behrens refused to sign a shirt and allegedly said: “I don’t sign that kind of gay shit.” He signed it later.

The special kit – the club and sponsor logos or squad numbers and names are designed in rainbow colors – was introduced five years ago as a demonstration of the club’s support for diversity on and off the pitch.

An internal club meeting was called and Behrens was called to explain his actions to sporting director Sebastian Schindzielorz, where he said he had “no aversion to homosexuals.”

Behrens publicly apologized and told Bild: “My spontaneous comments were absolutely not okay. I would like to apologize for that. The topic has clearly been discussed internally and I ask for your understanding that I do not wish to comment further.”

Schindzielorz told Sky Germany that the striker, who has played once for the German national team, has been suspended, although it is not known for how long. “Homophobia has no place in our country. Kevin is home alone now,” he said.

The club says: “During an internal consultation, statements were made that were not in line with VfL Wolfsburg’s position. The incident was immediately handled internally. VfL Wolfsburg emphasizes 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.”

According to the Daily Mail, this is not the first time Wolfsburg has been embroiled in a controversy involving the LGBTQ+ community. Midfielder Felix Nmecha, who now plays for Borussia Dortmund, is said to have made transphobic comments in a social media post in 2023, and five years ago Croatian star Josip Brekalo refused to wear a rainbow bracelet.

Behrens has scored one goal in 16 games since joining Wolfsburg from Union Berlin in January.

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