“AAC has zero tolerance for any acts of hate and/or discrimination, and we aim to ensure an environment for our guests that is free from disruptive behavior, including foul/abusive language and obscene gestures,” the statement said. “As such, we strongly denounce the actions that appear to be depicted in the video footage and are conducting an internal investigation.”
The video appears to show the fans making the salute on the beat of “Puck Off,” by Pantera — which has been used since 2000 as the Stars goal song. It’s unclear if any fans out of frame were also making the salute, or if anyone engaged the fans to denounce their behavior.
This has been another banner season for the Stars who have eclipsed 100 points for the fourth season in a row. They are currently second in the Central Division, behind only the Colorado Avalanche. It’s understandable that the team wants to focus solely on hockey, but it’s inexcusable to ignore this incident and not even make a statement saying that it’s unacceptable for fans to make Nazi salutes in the stands, or be committed to learning the identity of the group and banning them from future games.
If organizations let reprehensible actions like this occur without consequences it’s tantamount to condoning them.
