Union Berlin has condemned what it described as “insane” sexist abuse directed at its interim head coach, Marie-Louise Eta, following her appointment to lead the Bundesliga side.
Eta’s appointment made her the first woman to take charge of a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five leagues, a milestone that has been followed by a wave of sexist comments on social media.
The club’s director of football, Horst Heldt in a statement on Tuesday, strongly criticised the abuse, saying the focus should remain on coaching quality and leadership.
“It’s just embarrassing. I’ve noticed it, but I also refuse to read or even just expose myself to that kind of nonsense because for me this is about quality, leadership quality,” Heldt said.
He added that the club has full confidence in Eta and stands firmly behind her appointment.
“We have 100% confidence in Loui, complete conviction. I find it insane that we have to deal with this in this day and age,” he said.
Heldt stressed that Eta’s appointment is based strictly on merit and coaching ability, not gender, and said she has the full support of everyone at the club.
“We’re talking about a highly competent leader here, and you can be sure that everyone here at Union, whether in the stands or within the club itself, stands 100% behind this decision,” he added.
PUNCH Online reports that Eta made history after being appointed interim head coach of Union Berlin, becoming the first woman to manage a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five football leagues.
https://punchng.com/bundesliga-eta-makes-history-as-first-woman-to-coach-mens-team/
Eta, a former German youth international and Women’s Champions League winner with Turbine Potsdam, has previously served as assistant coach at Union Berlin.
She also made history in January 2024 when she briefly led the team from the touchline during a Bundesliga match while deputising for a suspended manager, becoming the first woman to do so in the league.
She is expected to take charge of her first training session as interim head coach on Tuesday.
Heldt praised her familiarity with the club and her rapid adjustment to the role.
“She had a great run with the U19s team, so she’s already fulfilled a role as head coach and is experienced,” he said. “She knows the stadium, the atmosphere, the people, and, above all, the players.”
Union Berlin, currently competing in the Bundesliga, said Eta’s appointment reflects her qualifications and experience within the club system.
Heldt said the team remains focused on football and will not be distracted by online abuse.
Eta is expected to continue preparations with the squad as she begins her interim role, with the club expressing confidence in her leadership moving forward.
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