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Union Berlin coach Jens Härtel suspended for 12 weeks
Jens Härtel, the 57-year-old U19 coach for 1. FC Union Berlin, has resigned following a 12-week suspension imposed by the German Football Association (DFB). The disciplinary action stems from several incidents involving discriminatory remarks directed at young players.
During a training camp in Opalenica, Poland, Härtel reportedly asked players Alec Shabany, Michael Etobe, and Sadou Barry—who have Cameroonian and Guinean roots—if they were sitting at an ‘African table’ after they sat together during a meal. Härtel admitted in his defense to the DFB that the phrasing was ‘unwise and counterproductive,’ though he claimed he did not intend to personally insult the players.
Additional allegations include Härtel suggesting his team ‘lost to a club of foreigners’ following a 3-2 defeat against Berliner AK. Härtel stated he could not recall the exact wording but noted that he had previously coached Berliner AK, a club that was sometimes informally referred to by that term, and did not view the expression as discriminatory at the time.
Entities
1. FC Union Berlin · Alec Shabany · German Football Association · Jens Härtel · Michael Etobe
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The DFB Control Committee issued a 12-week ban against Härtel. mesport.me
- [● 2 SOURCES] Härtel used the term ‘African table’ regarding players Alec Shabany, Michael Etobe, and Sadou Barry during a training camp in Poland. mesport.me
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Härtel allegedly stated his team lost to a ‘club of foreigners’ after a match against Berliner AK. mesport.me
- [● 2 SOURCES] Jens Härtel resigned from his position at 1. FC Union Berlin on October 11. mesport.me
- [● 2 SOURCES] Härtel admitted the ‘African table’ remark was unwise and counterproductive. mesport.me