Wolfsburg’s Kevin Behrens apologizes for homophobic slur after refusing to sign rainbow kit

Wolfsburg punished striker Kevin Behrens after claiming he refused to sign a shirt with a rainbow logo and proclaimed: “I won’t sign that kind of gay.”

The Bundesliga club’s sporting director Sebastian Schindzielorz told Sky Germany “Kevin is now alone at home” after details of the alleged incident were released on Wednesday.

Behrens, who is capped by Germany, also apologized, saying in a statement: “My spontaneous comments were absolutely not correct.”

These comments were made during a book signing last month, after which the 33-year-old was called into “an internal meeting” to explain his actions.

He remained in the Wolfsburg squad led by former Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and was on the bench in the 3-1 win over Bochum on Saturday.

But he now faces an uncertain future with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Wolfsburg, which started wearing rainbow-themed shirts five years ago to show its “support for diversity”, said in a statement: “During an internal meeting, 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 champion diversity and tolerance, and core values ​​such as respect, honesty and openness have always been firmly anchored in the club’s philosophy.”

Behrens said: “My spontaneous comments were not absolutely correct. I would like to apologize for this. The matter has clearly been discussed internally and I ask for your understanding that I do not wish to comment further on the matter.”

The striker is also the brother-in-law of Dutch volleyball player and convicted child rapist Steven van de Velde, whose participation in this summer’s Olympics caused a huge storm.

Behrens made his only international appearance as a substitute in Germany’s 2-2 draw against Mexico last October, following an excellent season that saw him guide Union Berlin to Champions League qualification.

He had scored just once since joining Wolfsburg in January.

The club has already been involved in a homophobia and transphobia dispute due to comments made by Felix Nmecha – who is now at Borussia Dortmund – on social media. Nmecha shared an Instagram post from a right-wing American commentator mocking the father of a transgender child.

Midfielder Josip Brekalo also refused to wear the rainbow armband during his seven years at Wolfsburg due to his religious beliefs.