Fans disagree with Portland Thorns over reason for ejection in XX-XY apparel dispute: 'They are lying'
Eight Fans Ejected from Providence Park After Portland Thorns vs. Washington Spirit Game
Portland, Ore. – Eight supporters of the Portland Thorns were escorted from Providence Park on Sunday, Sept. 6, after stadium security claimed they were distributing “unapproved materials.” The incident occurred during the NWSL club’s match against the Washington Spirit and has sparked a dispute between the fans and the Thorns’ front office.
The Removal
According to a statement from a Portland Thorns spokesperson, “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.” The spokesperson added that the matter is still being investigated. Security handed the group a notice citing a Code of Conduct violation and warning of possible future penalties, including a ban.
Video released by the fans shows the group entering the stadium, taking their seats, and then being approached by security. Amy Sousa, one of the fans, recorded herself questioning the removal. “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 said in a statement sent to OutKick. “They are lying about us. They have violated our rights. My group was targeted for political beliefs I speak about online.”
What the Fans Contend
Sousa and her companions claimed that they only brought five printed copies of the NWSL and Providence Park codes of conduct, which they received after a message from local activist Hannah Perry. “If we ‘distributed’ anything, they would have it on video,” Sousa said. She also said that the group’s clothing—XX‑XY Athletics apparel bearing slogans such as “Save Women’s Sports,” “Girls just wanna have fundamental rights,” “Woman,” and “It’s common sense”—was covered when they entered the venue.
The fans argue that their actions constituted no more than sharing the club’s own policies among themselves while seated. “We only shared them to our own group while seated facing each other,” Sousa added.
Aftermath at a Local Bar
Following their ejection, the group went to The Sports Bra, a Portland bar that promotes women’s sports. Staff asked them to leave after accusing the fans of wearing “transphobic” clothing. Video from inside the bar shows a staff member ordering the group to leave and telling them to cover any anti‑trans messaging. The bar issued a statement on social media: “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. We do not tolerate messages or conduct that demean or exclude the very community we exist to serve and celebrate. 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.”
Broader Context
The incident arrives amid ongoing debates over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports and the policies governing fan behavior at sporting events. The Thorns’ statement emphasized the club’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all fans.
As the investigation proceeds, the Portland Thorns and the fans’ organization have yet to reach a resolution. The Thorns’ spokesperson noted that the matter remains under review, while the group maintains that it was unfairly targeted.