The Philadelphia Union announced that sporting director Ernst Tanner has been placed on leave in the wake of a report from The Guardian of inappropriate workplace behavior.

According to the report, Tanner has engaged in racist, sexist and homophobic language and also made inappropriate physical contact with a Union staff member.

MLS had previously investigated allegations of wrongdoing by Tanner, but could not corroborate them. But on Wednesday, the league said that it would re-open the investigation.

“MLS recently concluded an investigation into allegations raised by the MLS Players Association, which the MLSPA noted had not been independently verified,” MLS said in a statement.

“Following publication of a Guardian article that included new allegations and potentially new information, MLS will reopen the investigation. MLS maintains an anonymous reporting hotline and encourages anyone with relevant information to come forward.”

Tanner, who joined the Union at the end of the 2018 season, has denied the allegations.

The Union said in a statement that Tanner had been placed on leave while the investigation is resumed.

"The Philadelphia Union takes all allegations of misconduct extremely seriously and is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone associated with our club," the club said.

"Discrimination, harassment, or abusive conduct of any kind has no place here, and all staff are required to complete annual sensitivity training.

"While a recent MLS investigation was unable to corroborate allegations involving sporting director Ernst Tanner, MLS has advised the Union that it will be reopening the investigation and the Union continues to cooperate fully. The Union has placed Mr. Tanner on administrative leave during the investigation.

"Throughout this process, our top priority remains the well-being of our players, fans, staff, and community."

The Union won the Supporters' Shield this year as the top team during the MLS regular season. It was the second Shield the team has won since Tanner took over as sporting director.

Philadelphia will face New York City FC on Sunday in the MLS Eastern Conference semifinal.

This article originally appeared on Pro Soccer Wire: Philadelphia Union sporting director Tanner on leave after misconduct report

Reporting by Seth Vertelney, Pro Soccer Wire / Pro Soccer Wire

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