After criticism of sexism on the Internet because of a post from RB Leipzig about Union Berlin head coach Mari-Louise Eta, the Iron Men have called for prudence. It didn’t bother them “at all,” said Union’s communications director Christian Arbeit on Sky broadcaster before the opening match of the 31st matchday of the Bundesliga between Leipzig and Union. “Well, we’re a bit in favor of leaving the church in the village,” emphasized Arbeit.
RB had responded to a post by the Köpenickers, who had provided information about visiting the stadium at their unpopular competitor with the words “Well, it’s not about Leipzig itself – it’s a nice city…”, with pictures that showed Eta with RB players and ex-coach Marco Rose. The people of Leipzig had written about this at
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The club emphasized: “Sexism has not an inch of space at RB Leipzig. We are very much looking forward to the return of Marie-Louise Eta, who will be interning at RB Leipzig in 2022 and then documented her time at the club in a photo collage on social media.” RB republished this collage from January 1, 2023.
“Not understood as disrespect”
Union’s media chief also pointed out again that Eta had posted these pictures herself. “Men and women, when they work together, will be seen in pictures together,” Arbeit said. Social media can always be “a bit of a joke, especially in football. People tease each other, a lot of clubs do that before they meet.”
He “honestly didn’t understand the RB post as disrespect. I would also say so clearly that I don’t see it that way. We’ve had completely different comments and completely different topics in the comment columns in the last few days,” Arbeit explained.
Eta became the first female head coach in the Bundesliga after separating from Steffen Baumgart. The Köpenick team lost their first game under their leadership at home against VfL Wolfsburg.