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

Eight individuals were removed from a Portland Thorns match at Providence Park due to their pro-women apparel, which security flagged. The group was wearing shirts with slogans such as “Save Women’s Sports” and “Woman.” An LGBTQ organizer had previously contacted officials and the venue to express concerns about the group’s presence.

• 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.