NWSL condemns alleged fan abuse toward Orlando’s Barbra Banda

The National Women’s Soccer League and NJ/NY Gotham FC are investigating “hateful language” directed from a fan toward Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda in her team’s 2-0 victory over Gotham on Sunday.

“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 coordinated joint statement.

Neither the clubs nor the league specified the nature of the language used.

Gotham said in a statement 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 NWSL and Gotham said they are working together to take additional action where appropriate under the league’s Fan Code of Conduct.

Gotham has footage of the alleged incident that it is actively reviewing, and club representatives have been in contact with the fan who reported the incident, a club spokesperson confirmed to ESPN.

“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…