8 Fans Ejected From Portland Thorns Match, Then Asked to Leave Sports Bar Over Apparel
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 7
8 Fans Ejected From Portland Thorns Match, Then Asked to Leave Sports Bar Over Apparel
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 7
Summary
Eight fans removed from Providence Park during the Sept. 6 Portland Thorns-Washington Spirit match were later asked to leave Portland women’s sports bar The Sports Bra over "Save Women’s Sports" and related shirts.
Portland Thorns said the group violated stadium rules by distributing unapproved materials, while Amy Sousa said they only carried five printed copies of the NWSL and venue codes of conduct and shared them within their own group.
Video showed security escorting the fans out and issuing a code-of-conduct notice warning of possible further penalties, including a ban; the club said the incident remains under investigation.
The Sports Bra defended its decision, saying the apparel promoted exclusion of trans women from sports and that staff told the group to cover the messaging or leave.
The dispute extends a broader clash over how women’s sports venues and businesses police fan speech, inclusion policies and apparel tied to transgender participation in sports.