Portland Thorns Fans Removed for Distributing Unapproved Materials Amid Apparel Dispute

<p>A spokesperson for the Portland Thorns stated that eight fans were removed from Providence Park during the NWSL club’s match against the Washington Spirit on September 6 for distributing "unapproved materials," a claim that the group disputes.</p><p>In a statement, the Thorns spokesperson said, "During our September 6 match against the Washington Spirit, individuals were removed from Providence Park for distributing unapproved materials, a violation of the Fan Experience Guidelines at the stadium. Our priority remains fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every fan at Providence Park." The spokesperson added that the matter is still under investigation.</p><p>Amy Sousa, a member of the group, denied the allegation, asserting that the fans were targeted for political reasons while expressing support for women’s sports.</p><p>"We did not distribute any materials. We came armed with copies of their own code of conduct and we followed it to the letter," Sousa stated. "They are lying about us. They have violated our rights. My group was targeted for political beliefs I speak about online."</p><p>The group was wearing XX-XY Athletics apparel and shirts with messages including "Save Women’s Sports," "Girls just wanna have fundamental rights," "Woman," and "It’s common sense."</p><p>Video footage showed Sousa questioning her removal after entering the stadium and taking her seat. Security provided the group with a notice and escorted them out after a dispute over whether they were distributing materials, a claim Sousa denies.</p><p>The notice cited a Code of Conduct violation and warned of potential additional penalties, including a possible ban.</p><p>Ahead of the match, Sousa mentioned that she brought five printed copies of the NWSL and Providence Park codes of conduct after receiving a message from local activist Hannah Perry, who had warned her about contacting officials regarding the group’s planned attendance.</p><p>Sousa stated that the group only shared the printed copies among themselves while seated. "We only shared them to our own group while seated facing each other. We only brought five," she said. "If we ‘distributed’ anything, they would have it on video."</p><p>Sousa also noted that the group’s XX-XY clothing was covered when they initially entered the stadium.</p><p>After leaving Providence Park, the group went to The Sports Bra, a Portland bar focused on women’s sports, where they were also asked to leave. Video from inside the bar showed a staff member ordering the group to leave after accusing them of wearing "transphobic" clothing.</p><p>The Sports Bra later released a statement defending its decision, stating, "At The Sports Bra, our mission is simple: support, promote, and empower ALL girls and women in sports. To be clear: trans girls are girls, and trans women are women." The statement added that while it welcomes people of every identity and background, it does "not tolerate messages or conduct that demean or exclude the very community we exist to serve and celebrate."</p><p>The statement continued, "On Sunday, Sept. 6, a group entered wearing apparel with messages advocating for the exclusion of trans women from sports. When our team respectfully gave the group notice to cover the anti-trans messaging or leave, they chose to leave."</p><p>The situation highlights ongoing tensions as women’s sports organizations navigate cultural messaging and the reactions of fans.</p>