WATCH: Reigning champions Gotham FC got too cocky! NWSL side's rapidly-deleted social media post throwing shade at Arsenal women over lack of diversity and rival clubs over not informing players of transfers

After the 2024 NWSL schedule was dropped, the Bats posted a 71-second clip of them following a viral social media trend. However, they opted to use the clip to throw shade at their opposition within the league, and in a random turn of events, the Arsenal women's team. The clip was quickly deleted off social media after backlash, but fans around the league managed to save the clip, with it resurfacing on multiple accounts.

The Bats took aim at the Gunners over the lack of diversity in their team photo, with the reference point being a series of criticism that hit the club last October over the lack of black players in their squad. They proceeded to then call out rival NWSL sides: Kansas City Current, Washington Spirit and Racing Louisville for not informing their players they were being traded this offeason.

The viral clip was an attempt at humor from the Bats, but instead, it became personal and backlash followed - with Gotham regretting their choice and deleting the post.

The Bats begin their 2024 campaign this March, but in the build up to it, they may want to re-think their social media strategy. Until then, they're in preseason mode - both the staff and players, it seems!