After a clip went viral of four Dallas Stars fans allegedly giving a Nazi salute during the 5-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Dec. 21, American Airlines Center officials have launched an investigation into the individuals.
In the video, which made waves just this week, several months after the game, people can be seen celebrating a Stars goal by appearing to raise and extend their right arm, with their right hand flat and pointing downwards.
“The American Airlines Center (AAC) has a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of hate and/or discrimination. Our goal is to ensure an environment for our guests that is free from disruptive behavior, including offensive/abusive language and obscene gestures,” the Dallas arena said in a statement released Wednesday.
The AAC continues: “Accordingly, we strongly condemn the actions that appear to be seen in the video footage and are conducting an internal investigation. All fans and visitors are expected to adhere to the AAC and, as appropriate, the NBA or NHL, rules of conduct when attending events.”
The NHL Code of Conduct
The NHL has clearly defined in its Code of Conduct what actions violate the guidelines. “Language, gestures, behavior, clothing, signs, or other personal expression that negatively references or derogates a particular race, ethnicity, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability status, or other identity-based characteristic will not be tolerated,” it says.
Opposite ESPN A spokesperson for the Stars said on Thursday that the franchise “fully stands behind the arena’s statement and is working with them to find out exactly what happened.”
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