Outfielder James Wood (L), first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. (R) and the Washington Nationals won two of three games during a weekend series with the Baltimore Orioles, which ended with a 7-3 loss Sunday in Washington, D.C. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
The Washington Nationals banned a patron from Nationals Park for their part in displaying a flag supporting white nationalists, a team spokesperson told UPI on Monday.
The incident occurred midway through the Nationals’ 7-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday in Washington, D.C.
“The Washington Nationals vehemently condemn discriminatory and hateful rhetoric, and we strive to make our home field a safe space for our fans,” the Nationals said in a statement to UPI.
The large red, white and blue flag included a link to a white nationalist website and sought deportation of more than 100 million people.
The flag was unfurled before the fourth inning, during the Nationals’ Salute to Service ceremony. Several social media users posted footage of the individuals holding up the flag and called for MLB and the Nationals to intervene.
A guest experience representative attempted to confiscate the banner, but those holding it resisted. They then fled the stadium. The Nationals later identified one of the people involved, who the team said will be banned from Nationals Park.
According to the Nationals’ guest conduct policy, guests at Nationals Park are encouraged to report use of “derogatory language” to security or other stadium personnel. The Nationals’ banner and sign policy also stipulates that messages relate to specific subjects, including the game, MLB, MLB teams, guest celebrations and more.
That policy states the Nationals reserve the right to remove banners or signs or require guests to stop displaying them if they don’t conform to their specifications.
The Nationals (23-24), who won four of their last six games, sit in third place in the National League East, nine games behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves (32-15).
They are one game behind the second-place Philadelphia Phillies (24-23). The Nationals will host the last-place New York Mets (20-26) at 6:45 p.m. EDT Monday in Washington.
