A professional football club says it is staying with the team after a player refused to sign a gay pride shirt

German professional football club VFL Wolfsburg said player Kevin Behrens is still with the team and training with his teammates despite an incident in which he refused to sign a gay pride shirt and used language towards a fan who found it offensive.

A team spokesman confirmed the situation to Fox News Digital in a statement There were internal issues, but that didn't stop Behrens from attending training.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

“We can confirm that this incident unfortunately occurred and immediate conversations were held with Kevin Behrens. He continues to take part in training sessions but please understand that as a club we do not normally comment on player bans. We, as a club, are committed to diversity and continue to advocate for an open society, and respect, tolerance, honesty and openness have always been firmly rooted in the club's philosophy,” the statement read.

Last week, Behrens refused to sign a Wolfsburg shirt with a rainbow logo Duma LGBTQ Flag Behrens also said, “I won't sign a contract with that gay (expletive).”

The player has already apologized for the incident.

The National Women's Football League goes to court over allegations of sexual harassment against a former employee

Participants hold a rainbow flag during the Pride Parade on June 1, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, plik)

“My offhand remarks were completely inappropriate. I would like to apologize for this. “The matter has been clearly discussed internally and I ask you to understand that I do not wish to comment further on this matter,” the statement said.

Bayern teammate and Wolfsburg captain Maximilian Arnold has worn the rainbow captain's armband for two seasons in solidarity.

“Kevin apologized for something that definitely wasn't nice. Everyone makes mistakes. “One thing is clear: something like this should never happen again, but everyone deserves a second chance,” Arnold told reporters last week.

The team previously conducted an internal video interview with player Yannick Gerhardt about his “commitment against right-wing extremism and discrimination.” During this video, Gerhard said he acknowledged that he held a “privileged position” as a “white German”.

Click here to download the Fox News app

Kevin Behrens of Wolfsburg during a pre-season friendly match against Brentford on August 9, 2024 at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, England. (Jack Feeney/Offside/Offside via JT Images)

“I'm aware of that, but especially if you're privileged, you have to stand up to any form of discrimination,” he said. “There have been many positive movements in recent years, such as Black Lives Matter, where all sorts of people have demonstrated. If the goal is positive and in the spirit of equal treatment and respect for all human rights, then it does not matter whether I am privileged or not.

Behrens joined the team in January after three years at Union Berlin. At the beginning of last season, he was called up to the German national team. He made his international debut last October, when he came on as a substitute in a 2-2 draw with the United States.

Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage in Xand subscribe Fox News Sports Bulletin.