“I have made mistakes and have not lived up to my function as a role model in the youth sector, for which I have apologised to my team as well as the coaching and support staff, and I would like to do so herewith to the entire club. It was never my intention to verbally hurt anyone or even to discriminate,” said Härtel. “It is important to me to reflect on my behavior, to take the time for it, and to seek professional support. I thank my team, my colleagues in the academy, and 1. FC Union Berlin for the support on this path that began a few weeks ago.”

1. FC Union Berlin were informed of allegations of discrimination in an anonymous letter and subsequently initiated an internal review process with external professional support. According to those involved, there was no indication at any time that players were in danger. The club is unaware of any reports to this day from affected individuals at the appropriate channels opened both in and externally. Regardless, measures to prevent discriminatory behavior and speech, even if they occur unintentionally, will become a mandatory part of coaching education at 1. FC Union Berlin in the future.

“Jens Härtel behaved incorrectly and has been sanctioned for it by us. We respect his decision and have agreed with him on a time-out. His behaviour in the last few weeks has been characterised by a genuine effort for clarification, and the relationship with the team still appears to be completely intact,” said Lutz Munack, director of youth and amateur football and member of 1. FC Union's executive board. “We will continue to closely support our players and encourage them to come forward if they are treated or addressed inappropriately. Our staff will be consistently trained to prevent misconduct, including unintentional misconduct.”