Lehmann removed from Hertha job after racism accusations
Former Germany international Jens Lehmann has lost his job at Hertha BSC after making a controversial statement about Dennis Aogo.
Jens Lehmann has lost his job as an advisor to Hertha BSC's supervisory board after describing fellow former Germany international Dennis Aogo as a 'token black guy' in a WhatsApp message.
Aogo, now working as a pundit for Sky Germany, took to Instagram to share Lehmann's message on Tuesday evening, stating: "Wow, seriously? That message was clearly not intended for me."
On Wednesday, a spokesman for TENNOR Holding – the company led by Hertha investor Lars Windhorst – confirmed that Lehmann's contract with the Bundesliga club will be terminated as a result of his remarks.
"Such statements are in no way representative of the values that Hertha BSC stands for," said Hertha president Werner Gegenbauer in a statement.
"We distance ourselves from all forms of racism and welcome the action taken by TENNOR Holding."
Lehmann has attempted to clarify his comments, telling Bild (via Goal.com):
"I have already spoken to Dennis on the phone and asked him to forgive me if my statement came across as disrespectful.
"It was not meant that way at all, but in a positive way. As a Sky expert, he is knowledgeable and very strong in his appearance. And therefore also increases the quota.
"That's what I meant to say but it was unfortunate of me to put it. Since the WhatsApp went out from my phone, I take responsibility for it. It was a private message."