Fans removed from Portland Thorns game for wearing pro-women apparel
Eight spectators were escorted out of a NWSL match at Providence Park after security said their shirts violated the venue’s code of conduct.
Security personnel at Providence Park confronted a group of eight fans wearing apparel from XX-XY Athletics and shirts with slogans such as "Save Women's Sports" and "Woman" during a Portland Thorns versus Washington Spirit match. The staff handed the fans a notice citing a violation of the stadium and NWSL Code of Conduct and escorted them from the venue. The notice warned that failure to provide personal information could result in a ban from future events.
One fan, Amy E. Sousa, said she was accused of being transphobic and posted on social media that the group had not caused any disturbance before being removed. Sousa previously attended a WNBA game in similar clothing without incident.
The ejection follows a social media warning from a local LGBT group organizer who alerted city officials and the police to the fans’ presence. Under the NWSL Fan Code of Conduct, spectators may not display signs, symbols, words or imagery used for political campaigning or advocacy, though the rules do not define how slogan-bearing apparel is judged, leaving enforcement to staff discretion.
Portland Thorns, Providence Park management and NWSL officials have not responded to requests for comment.