Wolfsburg striker Kevin Behrens has landed himself in hot water after 'refusing to sign an autograph on a rainbow jersey promoting diversity' in a fan session.
The 33-year-old reportedly shunned the shirt numerous times before launching into a foul-mouthed rant, saying 'I won't sign that kind of gay s***'.
An internal meeting was then called with the striker forced to explain his actions to sporting director Sebastian Schindzielorz. At this point, Behrens insisted he 'had no aversion to homosexuals', Bildreports.
The Bundesliga club said their player's actions 'were not in line with [their] stance' and he has since been suspended.
'Homophobia has no place with us, Kevin is now home alone,' Schindzielorz said, according to Sky Germany.
Wolfsburg striker Kevin Behrens has landed himself in hot water after 'refusing to sign an autograph on a rainbow jersey promoting diversity'
The 33-year-old (centre) reportedly shunned the shirt numerous times before launching into a foul-mouthed rant, saying 'I won't sign that kind of gay s***'
The striker had a glittering 2022-23 campaign which saw him guide his former club Union Berlin to the Champions League
Behrens, who has just a year left on his contract, has barely featured on the pitch this season for Ralph Hasenhuttl's Wolfsburg, playing just 42 minutes in three brief substitute appearances.
The one-time Germany international was on the bench for the full 90 minutes during Saturday's impressive 3-1 win at Bochum.
But it is his off-the-field actions that have gained him unwanted attention after the September signing session went awry.
As other players penned autographs on jerseys and other merchandise, to be auctioned off for charity and various competitions, Behrens was reportedly approached by someone offering up a rainbow shirt.
The kit, which features the pattern on parts of the item of clothing including the number on the back, was introduced five years ago to show Wolfsburg's 'support for diversity' and several new editions of the top, as well as scarves, cups and pins, have been launched since.
After discussing the incident with Behrens, Wolfsburg said: 'During an internal meeting, statements were made that were not in line with VfL Wolfsburg's stance. The incident was immediately dealt with internally.
'VfL Wolfsburg stresses 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.'
Meanwhile, Behrens said: 'My spontaneous comments were absolutely not okay. I would like to apologise for that.
'The issue was clearly discussed internally and I ask for your understanding that I do not wish to comment further on it.'
The striker was in the squad for the victory at Bochum although he did not feature.
On top of the sporting of a rainbow jersey, Wolfsburg are believed to make their employees, including the players, aware of related issues in a diversity training session.
Behrens made his one international appearance in a 2-2 draw against Mexico last October, taking to the field for just three minutes.
The saga comes after Wolfsburg man Felix Nmecha made allegedly transphobic remarks in a social media post in 2023
In a similar controversy, midfielder Josip Brekalo refused to wear a rainbow armband five years prior
The run-out came after a glittering 2022-23 campaign which saw the forward guide his former club Union Berlin to the Champions League, but since his move in January he has bagged just one goal.
The saga comes after Wolfsburg man Felix Nmecha made allegedly transphobic remarks in a social media post in 2023.
In a similar controversy, midfielder Josip Brekalo refused to wear a rainbow armband five years prior.