The J. League has not always been known for taking clear, decisive action, but Thursday's announcement that Urawa Reds must play one home game behind closed doors as punishment for a discriminatory banner was a bold decision that must be applauded.
J. League chairman Mitsuru Murai ordered Reds to play their March 23 game against Shimizu S-Pulse at an empty Saitama Stadium after ruling that a banner bearing the words "Japanese Only," hung above an entrance to the stands for last Saturday's home game against Sagan Tosu, could be interpreted as discriminatory regardless of its intent.
The financial hit that Urawa must absorb from lost revenue and ticket refunds has been estimated in the region of $1.3 million, but the damage to the club's reputation cannot be measured in numbers. The incident has made headline news in Japan and overseas, and Urawa must now live with the shame of becoming the first J. League club to be hit with a closed-doors punishment.