Gotham FC, the Orlando Pride, and the NWSL have issued statements of unwavering support for the Pride’s Barbra Banda after a “hateful language” incident during Gotham’s home opener against the Pride on Sunday.

Gotham FC is aware of an incident involving hateful language directed at Barbra Banda during Sunday’s match between our team and Orlando Pride. We are united in our message with the NWSL and the Orlando Pride: This behavior is unacceptable and has no place in our league or in our stadiums, said the club statement.

Stadium security swiftly responded and monitored the situation for the remainder of the match. Gotham FC and the NWSL are working together to further investigate the incident and to take additional action where appropriate under the league’s Fan Code of Conduct.

Gotham FC’s statement emphasizes their commitment to ensuring safe environments for all players, and they maintain that Barbra Banda is an exceptional player and an integral part of the NWSL.

Banda, a finalist for the NWSL MVP and reigning champion, has previously been subject to online abuse, notably stirred by remarks from J.K. Rowling after her BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award. The NWSL is backing Banda strongly following this latest wave of discrimination.