Group of fans kicked out of Portland Thorns NWSL match over pro-women apparel labeled 'transphobic'
Fox News • • sports
Key Points:
- Eight fans wearing pro-women apparel with slogans like "Save Women's Sports" were ejected from a Portland Thorns NWSL match at Providence Park after stadium security flagged their clothing as a code of conduct violation.
- The group received a notice citing an infraction and were warned that refusing to provide personal information could result in a ban from future events at the city-owned stadium.
- Amy E. Sousa, part of the group, denied causing any disturbance and said they were removed despite not having displayed their shirts, accusing security of labeling them transphobic.
- The incident raises questions about the enforcement of speech rules and fan attire policies at publicly owned venues, especially given inconsistent treatment compared to other Portland sports events.
- The ejection followed social media pressure from a local LGBT organizer who contacted city officials and stadium management to demand the group's removal, highlighting tensions around political expression at sporting events.
