Gotham FC have banned and revoked season tickets from a fan who engaged in hateful language towards Barbra Banda.

The incident took place when Gotham FC hosted Banda’s Orlando Pride at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey in March 2025. When the incident was reported during the match, stadium security addressed the individual and continued to monitor the situation for the rest of the game, Gotham said in a statement.

After the game, the club investigated the incident with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), interviewing witnesses including fans and stadium, team and league personnel, as well as reviewing stadium security footage. The fan in question was found to have violated the NWSL Fan Code of Conduct. 

“Threatening, abusive or discriminatory behaviour or language of any kind has no place at Gotham FC events,” Gotham FC said in its statement. “Our club and the NWSL are committed to creating a welcoming, safe and enjoyable matchday experience for all players, staff and fans.”

The Orlando Pride, the NWSL and the league’s Players Association all echoed the same sentiment in statements released shortly after the incident.

This is not the first time Banda has received hate just for being who she is. The Zambian forward was targeted in online bad-faith attacks back in November. A group of protesters also gathered in the UK before Chelsea and Manchester City’s Women’s League Cup final game, calling for Banda to be banned from the sport.

Transphobia and misogynoir have long been a stain in football and wider society. But the swiftness and attention to detail of this investigation provides a glimmer of hope that this scourge is being handled with the vim it needs.