Women's Bundesliga players demand action on coach's 'discriminatory' behavior

Players from the top two divisions in women's professional football in Germany have written an open letter to Germany's football association demanding answers in the Heiko Vogel discrimination case.

Just days after Borussia Mönchengladbach's under-23 coach was reportedly ordered to train the women's team as a punishment, Germany's top female players have demanded more clarity from the sport's governing body.

In an open letter shared on Instagram, players from the country's top two divisions asked for clarification.

"This verdict discriminates [against] all women in sport, especially in football," the letter read. Heiko Vogel's behavior was "far more than just unsportsmanlike, it was offensive and discriminatory."

The players called on the German Football Association (DFB) to be active. "We ask you, as the highest institution in German football, to take a stand and be active. We feel insulted, discriminated and ridiculed."

Vogel out of order

Vogel was banned from the dugout for two matches after unsportsmanlike behavior against two female assistant referees. Vanessa Arlt, one of those assistants, told the local Westfälischen Nachrichten newspaper that as Vogel left the pitch he said "women have no place on the football field."

Vogel, 44, was also fined €1,500 ($1,792) and ordered to coach a women's or girls' team.

Former Germany and Wolfsburg defender Verena Schweers told DW: "It's a stark image of the current situation in women's football in Germany. I mean, honestly, I thought we were further along. There is a lot to do still. Many players have the right idea - using the strength of the group and writing an open letter was long overdue."

Borussia Mönchengladbach told German publication Spiegel that neither the club or Vogel see the decision as punishment. It was suggested by the club as a symbol of the apology included in part of the verdict.

While the club's sporting director, Max Eberl had criticized Vogel for his behavior, he also said Vogel himself had suggested the idea of training a women's team "in order to express his appreciation for

women's football. In this sense it's not a punishment, but rather an offer."

The club went on to say that Vogel has apologized to those involved and has acknowledged his mistake, explained his misconduct by citing the emotion of the game and that he subsequently found his remarks unpleasant and embarrassing.

Nevertheless, the local football association, the Western German FA (WDFV), announced on Friday, they disagreed with the punishment and asked the court to review the verdict.

Germany's top female footballers have challenged the DFB

Gladbach's under-23 coach Heiko Vogel