NJ/NY Gotham FC has banned a fan from all future events and revoked their season ticket after an investigation revealed they used hateful language towards Orlando Pride player Barbra Banda.
Gotham FC stated on Wednesday that a thorough investigation, conducted with the NWSL, staff, and stadium security, involved interviewing witnesses (including fans, stadium, team, and league personnel) and reviewing security footage and logs. The club concluded that the fan violated the NWSL Fan Code of Conduct.
The incident occurred at Sports Illustrated Stadium during Gotham’s 2-0 defeat to the Pride on March 23, prompting the investigation. Gotham previously stated that stadium security quickly responded to the reported incident, addressed the individual, and monitored the situation for the rest of the match. Gotham, the Pride, and the NWSL also released statements expressing strong support for Banda, the 2024 NWSL Championship MVP.
This is not the first instance of Barbra Banda facing hateful language. In November, J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, attacked Banda after she was named BBC’s Woman Footballer of the Year. Rowling misgendered Banda in a post on X, questioning the BBC`s decision.
The Pride, the NWSL Players Association, and executive director Meghann Burke swiftly defended Banda. Burke strongly criticized Rowling’s comments on X, emphasizing Banda`s value and the NWSLPA`s solidarity against such insults.
Dominic Ashworth