Phoenix Rising, supporters clear the air after anti-Nazi banner flap

Four days after Phoenix Rising FC supporters walked out of the team's stadium during a match due to a dispute over an anti-Nazi banner, the team and supporters have cleared the air and are back on the same page.

Los Bandidos, Phoenix Rising's unofficial supporters section, has brought messages of anti-racism and anti-fascism to every Phoenix Rising home game this season -- and on Saturday, they brought a banner that depicted a crossed-out swastika. The team had the banner removed due to safety concerns, but Los Bandidos members walked out of the stadium and later criticized the team's decision in a Facebook post.

But via an Instagram post Wednesday, Los Bandidos said any differences between themselves and Phoenix Rising have been resolved, and they look forward to being back in the stands to cheer on the team this coming Saturday night.

"We want to reiterate that Los Bandidos and Phoenix Rising FC share the same values of tolerance, inclusivity and passion for the game," Los Bandidos' statement read. "We were never on bad terms with the ownership or (front office), we had a good standing with them before and now through direct discussion with the club -- it's brought us even closer."

 

To the Media, fellow Supporters groups and Phoenix Rising FC fans. We want to reiterate that Los Bandidos and Phoenix Rising FC share the same values of tolerance, inclusivity and passion for the game. Part of what we aim to do along with supporting- is to make sure the fans feel involved and to make sure they feel empowered, no matter which community they may come from. We were never on bad terms with the ownership or FO, we had a good standing with them before and now through direct discussion with the club- it's brought us even closer. We are working together this week to make sure the culture of tolerance & expression will continue, and we're working to make sure we make the same presence this Saturday.

A post shared by Bandidos (@bandidos_phx_) on

Aug 30, 2017 at 6:47am PDT

Phoenix Rising retweeted Los Bandidos' post Wednesday and said the team is looking forward to seeing them Saturday night.

We can't wait to see our friends @BandidosPHX in the supporters end this Saturday! #RisingAsOne https://t.co/7XUOoVVxaP

— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) August 30, 2017