March 26 – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is just two rounds into its new season, and with coaching and administrative issues taking up news space off the pitch, they are now having to deal with abuse in the stands investigating ‘hateful language’ directed towards, Barbra Banda.
Banda, who plays for the Orlando Pride was subjected to the ‘hateful language’ during her club’s match versus NJ/NY Gotham FC.
“This behavior is unacceptable and has no place in our league or in our stadiums,” Gotham FC, the Orlando Pride, and the NWSL said in a joint statement.
Gotham added that “stadium security swiftly responded” to a reported incident during Sunday’s game at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, the team’s home venue. An individual was “directly addressed” and security “[monitored] the situation for the remainder of the match.”
The team also has video footage of the alleged incident, and that the club has been in contact with the supporter who viewed and heard the comment.
“We are committed to ensuring that our venues are safe and respectful environments for all – especially for the athletes who represent the very best of our sport,” the NWSL said in its statement.
“Barbra Banda is both an exceptional player and person, and the NWSL is immensely proud to support her as a member of our league.”
This isn’t the first time Banda has received abuse. The forward was subject to an anti-trans attack last November after scoring the winning goal in the NWSL championship game. The online attacks have increased especially in the current political climate and the Trump administration’s attacks on LGBTQ+ rights.
A statement from the NWSL players’ union said: “The NWSL Players Association stands with the Orlando Pride and NJ/NY Gotham FC in condemning the hateful behaviour directed at Barbra Banda during last night’s match.
“There is no place for harassment or abuse in our sport, and we support efforts to address this incident swiftly and responsibly. Soccer is built on principles of fairness, inclusion, and respect for human dignity – any form of hateful conduct undermines these values and has no place in our fandom.
“Barbra Banda is a generational talent, and we are fortunate to witness her compete at the highest level in the NWSL. She deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1742997822labto1742997822ofdlr1742997822owedi1742997822sni@o1742997822fni1742997822