NWSL investigating 'hateful language' towards Banda
The National Women's Soccer League is investigating an incident involving "hateful language" directed at Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda by a fan.
The incident occurred during Orlando's 2-0 win over Gotham FC on Sunday at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New York.
Gotham said they had apologised to Orlando and that they were working with the NWSL to investigate the incident.
"This behaviour is unacceptable and has no place in our league or in our stadiums," the NWSL, Orlando Pride and Gotham FC all said in a statement on Monday.
"Stadium security swiftly responded to the incident once it was reported and directly addressed the individual, monitoring the situation for the remainder of the match," Gotham added.
Banda was named the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year in 2024 after scoring 17 goals to help Orlando claim their first NWSL championship last season.
The 25-year-old also netted four goals for Zambia at the Paris Olympics last summer to become the leading African goalscorer in Olympic history with 10.
"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.
"Barbra Banda is both an exceptional player and person, and the NWSL is immensely proud to support her as a member of our league."
Orlando are top of the NWSL after winning their first two games of the 2025 season, including a 6-0 victory over Chicago Stars in which Banda scored twice.
"Barbra is an outstanding role model and an influential advocate for soccer both in Africa and here in the United States. We look forward to continuing to celebrate and support her on and off the pitch," Orlando Pride added.
Topics
-
NWSL investigating 'hateful language' towards Banda
The National Women's Soccer League says it is investigating an incident involving "hateful language" directed at Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda.BBC News - 1d -
Orlando Pride’s Barbra Banda abused by ‘hateful language’ in game at Gotham FC
NWSL investigating after fan incident in game on Sunday Gotham FC apologise to Zambia international striker The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and Gotham FC are investigating after ...The Guardian - 1d -
NWSL, Gotham FC, Orlando Pride address ‘incident involving hateful language’ directed at Barbra Banda
The NWSL, Gotham FC and Orlando Pride addressed “an incident involving hateful language at Barbra Banda,” in statements released Monday. The incident occurred during the Orlando Pride’s 2-0 win ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
NWSL, union and 2 teams denounce fans' reported 'hateful language' against Barbra Banda
The National Women's Soccer League, its players union and the Orlando Pride and Gotham FC have denounced reports of “hateful language” directed at Pride forward Barbra Banda. The statements Monday ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
NWSL condemns alleged abuse of Pride's Banda
The NWSL and NJ/NY Gotham FC are investigating "hateful language" directed from a fan toward Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda during a match on Sunday.ESPN - 17h -
Barbra Banda victim of 'hateful language': Gotham FC, Orlando Pride, and NWSL express 'unwavering support'
At Gotham's home opener the Pride's star was the victim of abusive language from the home-team crowdCBS Sports - 1d -
Orlando Pride star Barbra Banda the target of anti-trans abuse, even though she's a woman. Here's what to know
The NWSL said it is investigating reports of fans hurling racist and transphobic chants at Orlando Pride star Barbra Banda.Yahoo Sports - 3h -
Banda scores twice and Orlando routs Chicago 6-0 in NWSL opener
The reigning champion Orlando Pride opened the National Women's Soccer League season on Friday night with a 6-0 home field rout over the Chicago Stars. Barbra Banda scored a pair of goals for the ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15 -
Banda scores twice and Orlando routs Chicago 6-0 in NWSL opener
The reigning NWSL champion Orlando Pride opened the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League season with a 6-0 rout over the Chicago StarABC News - Mar. 14
More from Yahoo Sports
-
2025 NBA Draft scouting report: Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
Harper is a big-bodied lefty combo guard with NBA blood in his veins.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
How to watch Bournemouth vs Manchester City live: FA Cup stream link, team news, prediction
Manchester City's last reasonable chance at a trophy this season hits the Vitality Stadium on Sunday for an FA Cup quarterfinal clash with a confident Bournemouth.Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Marlborough racing tips and best bets for today’s races
Following today’s racing tips? In need of some guidance? Or just fancy a flutter?Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Joson Sanon, one of the top players in the transfer portal, leaves ASU to play for Rick Pitino at St. John's
Joson Sanon is leaving ASU after a promising freshman season.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
West Virginia's Sencire Harris entering transfer portal
West Virginia guard Sencire Harris is entering the transfer portal, he announced on social media. Harris spent just one season at WVU, after he played at Illinois the year prior. Harris was named ...Yahoo Sports - 15m
More in Sports
-
Play Connections: Sports Edition. Tackle Today’s Puzzle.
Group sports terms that share a common thread.The New York Times - 6m -
The Winners and Losers of the N.F.L. Offseason
Some teams added value in free agency. Others lost a lot of it.The New York Times - 6m -
Novak Djokovic’s Search for His Tennis, and for Himself
After two decades and 99 career singles titles, the greatest men’s tennis player of the modern era has become a mystery.The New York Times - 6m -
Inside an N.F.L. Draft Prospect’s Long Struggle With Narcolepsy
During one of the most intense moments of the college football season, Nazir Stackhouse was fighting a battle to stay awake.The New York Times - 6m -
Lionel Messi’s Trading Card Controversy Spurs a Loaded Question
Collectors have been left to wonder if someone other than the soccer superstar is signing his trading cards.The New York Times - 6m