Group of fans kicked out of Portland Thorns NWSL match over pro-women apparel labeled 'transphobic'

Video shows eight fans in XX-XY Athletics gear ejected from a Portland Thorns FC match at Providence Park after LGBTQ organizer lobbied officials.

Group of fans kicked out of Portland Thorns NWSL match over pro-women apparel labeled 'transphobic'

TL;DR

  • Eight fans were ejected from a Portland Thorns game at Providence Park for wearing pro-women apparel.
  • The apparel included slogans like "Save Women's Sports" and "Woman" from XX-XY Athletics.
  • The fans were accused of being transphobic, a claim they deny.
  • An LGBTQ organizer actively lobbied officials and the venue to have the group removed.
  • The incident raises questions about the enforcement of speech rules in publicly owned stadiums and the interpretation of the NWSL Fan Code of Conduct.