A video showing a group of fans making a Nazi salute at a Dallas Stars NHL game in December has gone viral. The video stems from a Dallas Stars 5-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 21, where five unidentified fans were seen doing a Nazi salute while celebrating a goal. 4 million views, while other fans around them were celebrating without making the gesture.
The American Airlines Center, the arena hosting the game, has launched an investigation into the incident. The AAC strongly denounces the actions depicted in the video footage and is conducting an internal investigation. A Dallas Stars spokesperson said the team is fully aligned with the arena's statement and working with them to find out exactly what happened.
(We are) fully aligned with the arena's statement and working with them to find out exactly what happened.
Dallas Stars has suspended a supporter indefinitely from the American Airlines Center after the video spread. The suspended person is the one who purchased the tickets, but it is not specified who in the video actually made the purchase. The club has identified and been in contact with the person who bought the tickets.
Dallas Stars is intensifying work around the arena's code of conduct, including clearer communication to the public, reporting mechanisms, and increased staff training. The AAC has zero tolerance for acts of hate and discrimination. Fans and attendees are expected to adhere to AAC, NBA, or NHL Codes of Conduct, with patrons found violating the code of conduct subject to prosecution if their conduct violates applicable law.
We have identified and been in contact with the person who bought the tickets and will suspend the individual indefinitely from the American Airlines Center.
Dallas Stars echoed this stance, stating all forms of discriminatory or hateful behavior are not tolerated and have no place in the arena, and creating and maintaining an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment is non-negotiable for Dallas Stars. Before each NHL match, the public is informed about the league's and club's code of conduct, listing unacceptable actions. The NHL's own code of conduct is based on four principles: respect, inclusion, safety, and empowerment.
Violations of the NHL code of conduct could result in punishment including a potential lifetime ban from future NHL events. The incident occurred during a game where Dallas Stars tops the Central Division with five games left in the regular season. With the suspension, the supporter no longer has access to games or other events at the American Airlines Center.
All forms of discriminatory or hateful behavior are not tolerated and have no place in our arena. Creating and maintaining an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment is non-negotiable for Dallas Stars.
The identities of the five fans seen making the Nazi salute in the video remain unknown, as do specific legal consequences they might face beyond the suspension. It is also unclear how many other fans, if any, have been identified or suspended in connection with the incident, what exact measures are being implemented in the intensified code of conduct work mentioned by Dallas Stars, and what the current status of the AAC's internal investigation is or when results will be announced.