NJ/NY Gotham FC has revoked the season ticket of a fan and banned them from all future events. This action follows an investigation which confirmed the fan used hateful language towards Barbra Banda of Orlando Pride.
Gotham FC stated on Wednesday that a thorough investigation was conducted with the NWSL, staff, and stadium security. They interviewed multiple witnesses, including fans, stadium staff, team and league personnel, and reviewed security footage and logs. The club concluded that the fan violated the NWSL Fan Code of Conduct.
The incident happened at Sports Illustrated Stadium during Gotham’s 2-0 defeat to the Pride on March 23rd, which prompted the investigation. Gotham previously stated that stadium security responded quickly 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 their strong support for Banda, the 2024 NWSL Championship MVP.
This is not the first time Banda has faced hateful language. In November, J.K. Rowling, the 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, writing, `Presumably the BBC decided this was more time efficient than going door to door to spit directly in women`s faces.`
The Pride, the NWSL Players Association, and Meghann Burke, the PA’s executive director, quickly defended Banda. Burke strongly criticized Rowling’s comments.
Burke wrote on X, `The lowest form of discourse is personal insult cloaked with racism and lies, on X no less. Barbra Banda is a proud member of NWSLPA. She is the best of us. Just so we`re clear, JK Rowling: you come for her, you come for all of us. Me first. Let`s go.`
