Union Berlin condemns sexist abuse targeting female manager Marie-Lou Eta

Union Berlin Appoints First Female Manager of Men’s Team, Receives Online Abuse

Marie-Louise Eta has been appointed as the interim head coach of Union Berlin’s men’s team, marking a historic milestone for women in professional football. The decision was made following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart and will see Eta oversee the team through the remainder of the season.

The appointment has been met with criticism on social media, with some users directing derogatory comments towards Eta. In response, Union Berlin has condemned the abuse and expressed its support for Eta. The club’s director of men’s professional football, Horst Heldt, stated that the team has “100 percent confidence” in Eta.

Communications director Christian Arbeit described Eta as a pragmatic coach who prioritizes her work on the field. The club has also emphasized its commitment to protecting staff from harassment and ensuring a safe working environment.

Berlin’s Mayor Kai Wegner praised the decision, calling it a “strong signal for professional football and for women in elite-level sports”. However, he incorrectly spelled Eta’s name during the praise. The club corrected him.

Eta will lead Union Berlin through the remaining five games of the season as they aim to secure their spot in the Bundesliga for next season. The team is currently 11th in the standings and hosts relegation-threatened Wolfsburg on Saturday.

Source: Al Jazeera