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.
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. Supporters deserve more than silence and ambiguity.”
The Doopin’ Delinquents added their own statement. “This investigation highlights a pattern of abhorrent behavior and an unwillingness to change,” read the statement. “The Sporting Director emphasized this with his lack of remorse and refusal to grow in his post suspension statement. He chose not to apologize to the individuals affected, the fan base or the City, instead choosing to glorify his personal accomplishments.”
The Sons of Ben did not actively call for Tanner’s removal, asking instead for additional communication with the club and league and more transparency around the allegations against Tanner. The Doopin’ Delinquents called for a more direct approach.
“We strongly urge the Union to part ways with this individual,” read the group’s statement, “to help current and former; staff, players and fans heal and move forward.”
The Guardian understands that Union representatives offered to meet with supporter leadership just before Saturday’s match but that meeting never materialized. Amid talk of a formal protest or boycott, members of the Sons of Ben are slated to meet Monday evening to discuss other ways forward. A representative for Sons of Ben did not immediately respond to a request for comment via email on Sunday.
MLS has a lengthy history of fan protests, and the Sons of Ben were involved in one of the league’s most notorious examples. With the Union floundering in 2015, about 150 supporters organized a protest outside the club’s stadium, eventually carrying a casket in a mock funeral procession. Inside the coffin was a photo of Union owner Nick Sakiewicz emblazoned with the tagline “serial franchise killer.”
Clubs also sometimes meet with supporter leadership to hash out issues, as the Portland Timbers did to unpack the situation surrounding former midfielder Andy Polo, who was cut by by the club after an alleged incident of domestic violence. Portland fans had raised concerns about the club’s handling of the situation.
Union head coach Bradley Carnell has said little about Tanner’s situation. Carnell is part of a larger team handling sporting operations during Tanner’s absence.
“I think we do a pretty good job of isolating what needs to be heard and what has to be heard in terms of what’s going to affect change or performance,” Carnell told reporters before Saturday’s loss to Chicago.
Frustration has grown inside the Union locker room as the club sinks further into the Eastern Conference basement. Union captain Alejandro Bedoya, who has been at the club for a decade, aired his own concerns about his club’s slow start after Saturday’s loss.
“If I really say what I really want to say I’d get in trouble,” Bedoya told reporters. “We have to take a hard look at ourselves, from the top down. My job as the captain is to make sure this group stays together. It’s so easy right now for [players] to go in silos and maybe do their own there but we have to remain together. The team is only as strong as our weakest link right now.”
The Union, who have faced schedule congestion as they participate in Concacaf Champions Cup, next play on 4 April after the upcoming international break. Asked whether the break comes at a fortunate time for his side, Bedoya was in total agreement.
“Shit, yeah,” said the former US national teamer. “Absolutely.”
