The Dallas Stars have indefinitely banned a fan from American Airlines Center events after a viral video appeared to show a group making Nazi salutes in the stands.
DALLAS — The Dallas Stars organization says it has banned a fan indefinitely from all American Airlines Center events after a viral video appeared to show a group of fans making a Nazi salute after goals during a game in December.
In a statement issued by a Dallas Stars spokesperson, the organization said it was able to identify the person who purchased the tickets for the seats where the men who were performing the hateful gesture were seen. The organization added that it got in touch with the man who bought the tickets, spoke to him about his actions and banned him from attending all events at the American Airlines Center — not just Stars games, the spokesperson later confirmed — for an indefinite time period.
“We identified and spoke with the individual that purchased the tickets and will be banning the individual indefinitely from American Airlines Center,” the April 6 statement from the team read. “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.”
The clip of the group performing the salute was filmed during the Stars’ December 21 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs and originally posted online by Stars fan Courtney Ripley. Ripley told WFAA that, throughout the game, she noticed several men performing the gesture throughout the 5–1 win as the arena celebrated each of the home team’s five goals.
“It was shocking,” Ripley said. “It was every goal they were doing it.”
Ripley told WFAA that she reported the behavior to the arena’s fan misbehavior hotline and was told a staff member had gone to locate the men but could not find them. Ripley later shared their seat numbers and video with AAC staff, but said she never saw anyone approach the individuals.
“I would be happy if they banned these four men from going to the AAC again,” she said to WFAA. “I just don’t think behavior like that is okay or acceptable.”
On April 1, the NHL declined to comment on the matter. A Stars spokesperson also declined to comment and instead referred WFAA to American Airlines Center management.
The AAC’s management said in a statement to WFAA that it “has zero tolerance for any acts of hate and/or discrimination” and was conducting an internal investigation on the incident.