Dallas Stars ban fan following apparent Nazi salute at game
The Dallas Stars have banned a fan from the American Airlines Center after a video emerged of a group of fans giving an apparent Nazi salute at a December home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Stars said Monday that the fan who purchased the tickets is the one who has been banned, but did not identify which fan in the video was the purchaser. The video quickly spread across social media, gaining significant traction over the last week in the lead-up to Monday’s ban from the hockey club.
“We identified and spoke with the individual that purchased the tickets and will be banning the individual indefinitely from the American Airlines Center,” the Stars said in a statement to ESPN.
“Additionally, we are increasing in-arena messaging regarding the Fan Code of Conduct and how our fans can report violations, along with prioritizing staff training to identify and handle situations that arise. Any type of discriminatory or hateful behavior will not be tolerated and has no place in our arena. Creating and sustaining environments that are inclusive, safe, and respectful is a non-negotiable for the Dallas Stars.”
Each NHL team already has messaging ahead of puck drop informing attendees of the NHL and the team’s code of conduct, listing off intolerable offenses, including abusive language, gestures and behavior, among other forms of personal expression, that demean a specific race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability status or other identity-based characteristics.
The NHL’s code of conduct, meanwhile, defines four key sections of respect, inclusion, safety and empowerment.
With the ban in place, the suspended fan will no longer be able to attend Stars games or other events at the American Airlines Center, which also hosts the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and several concerts each year.
The Stars, sitting first in the Central Division, will wrap up regular season play over the next five games before eyeing the organization’s first Stanley Cup title since the 1998-99 season.