Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner disputes the claims that led to a completed MLS investigation which found no evidence to support them.
From a suite at PayPal Park in San Jose, Ernst Tanner observed the game. On 10 June 2023, his Union team was trailing 2-1 against the San Jose Earthquakes. Jamiro Monteiro, a player Tanner had acquired for the Union in 2019 before trading him to San Jose, was being replaced. Visibly tired, Monteiro slowly headed towards the Earthquakes’ sideline as referee Nima Saghafi gestured for him to hurry, briefly making contact.
This wasn’t Saghafi’s first interaction with the midfielder. Earlier, when Monteiro lay on the ground after a challenging tackle, Saghafi touched his back, a gesture of concern.
Made several sexist remarks, such as stating “women don’t belong in men’s soccer” about a female MLS referee and advising academy players to “never worry about a referee, unless she’s a woman.”
Described Black players in derogatory terms and implied Black referees “lack intelligence and capability.”
Inappropriately touched a colleague multiple times, a claim reported to the Union’s HR department.
Appointed an underqualified coach who allegedly mistreated players on Philadelphia Union II, the club’s reserve team aimed at developing young academy talents.
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