A surprising incident unfolded at a Real Salt Lake soccer match on July 3rd, where a fan was removed from the stadium due to an offensive tattoo.
Jonathan Pangburn, the fan in question, was spotted with a lightning bolt symbol tattooed above his left ear, a symbol historically associated with the Schutzstaffel, or SS, the Nazi guard.
This emblem is commonly linked to white supremacist groups today.
As a result, Pangburn was quickly escorted out of the stadium, and a photo of him before his removal has since gone viral.
In an attempt to clear up misconceptions, Pangburn addressed the incident in an interview with KSTU.
He expressed deep regret for the tattoo, stating it represents a past he is no longer proud of.
“My tattoos affect me, and they offend me more than they offend anybody else today,” Pangburn explained.
Pangburn revealed that he once embraced Nazism and skinhead philosophy but has since renounced those beliefs.
His tattoos, including the SS symbol on his head and two swastikas on his left calf and arm, were inked during a period of addiction and frequent incarcerations.
He is now actively working on having these tattoos removed.
Despite his remorse, Pangburn admitted he made a mistake by not covering his tattoos at the match.
“I could have covered up my tattoos and worn a hat,” he acknowledged.
He emphasized his current mission is to avoid spreading negativity or hatred and to focus on improving his life.
A Path to Redemption
Pangburn recently graduated from the Other Side Academy in Salt Lake City, an institution dedicated to helping individuals with addiction histories.
“It teaches you how to love, gives you a life back, teaches you about friendship, accountability, humility,” he shared.
Mixed Reactions
While Pangburn’s intentions seem genuine, Marc Levine, the regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, highlighted the enduring impact of such symbols.
“Hate has no place in our sports stadiums.
This is a very haunting and scary thing for people here in the United States today,” Levine said.
Support from Friends
Despite the controversy, Pangburn has received support from friends.
Evan Done, from the Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness, defended him on Facebook, stating, “He got those tattoos to survive in prison and has spent the past couple of years completely turning his life around.”
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the presence of hate symbols in public spaces and the potential for personal redemption.
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