Gotham FC, Orlando Pride, and the National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) have all publicly declared their strong support for Orlando Pride player Barbra Banda following an incident of hateful language directed at her during Gotham FC`s home game against Orlando Pride on Sunday.
Gotham FC stated that they are aware of the incident involving hateful language aimed at Barbra Banda during Sunday`s match. They emphasized their solidarity with the NWSL and Orlando Pride, stating that such behavior is unacceptable and has no place in the league or stadiums.
According to Gotham FC, stadium security responded quickly to the reported incident, confronted the individual responsible, and monitored the situation for the remainder of the game. Gotham FC and the NWSL are collaborating to investigate the incident further and take appropriate action under the league`s Fan Code of Conduct.
Orlando Pride and the NWSL also released separate statements reiterating their support for Banda and outlining further steps to be taken.
Gotham FC also mentioned reaching out to Orlando Pride leadership on Monday to offer apologies and support. This incident marks the first public show of support from the league since Banda faced extensive online bullying in November after winning the BBC Women`s Footballer of the Year award.
The online abuse included attacks from figures like J.K. Rowling, who criticized the BBC`s award and appeared to misgender Banda, comparing the award to spitting in women`s faces.
Following the online bullying in November, Orlando Pride, the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA), and NWSLPA executive director Meghann Burke voiced their support for Banda. Burke directly addressed Rowling, defending Banda and asserting the NWSLPA`s solidarity with her.
The recent incident demonstrates that abusive rhetoric has moved from online platforms into NWSL games, highlighting a previous failure to adequately protect Banda outside of the players` union.
Barbra Banda is a prominent player, being a 2024 NWSL MVP finalist, reigning NWSL Shield winner, and NWSL Champion. Her profile rose after impressive performances for Zambia in the Olympics and subsequent success in the NWSL, which unfortunately led to her becoming a target of racist and transphobic abuse after receiving the BBC award.
Gotham FC reported that the fan using abusive language was addressed by security and monitored, but not removed from the stadium.
Orlando Pride is scheduled to play against San Diego Wave FC on Saturday at Inter & Co Stadium.
Adrian Whitmore