In a statement sent to OutKick, 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 Thorns spokesperson added that the matter is still being investigated.A group of soccer fans at Providence Park takes a photo after being ejected before the Portland Thorns and Washington Spirits match.
(Amy E.Sousa / X: @KnownHeretic)Amy Sousa, who was part of the group, denied the allegation, saying the fans were targeted for political reasons and were expressing support for women’s sports.WNBA FACES GROWING SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM MOVEMENT AS NEW RALLIES ARE SET FOR FEVER GAMES IN OREGON, MINNESOTA"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."The group was wearing XX-XY Athletics apparel and shirts bearing messages including "Save Women’s Sports," "Girls just wanna have fundamental rights," "Woman" and "It’s common sense."Video showed Sousa questioning her removal after she had entered the stadium and taken her seat.
Security handed the group of eight a Providence Park notice and escorted them out after a dispute over whether they were distributing materials, a claim Sousa denies.The notice cited a Code of Conduct violation and warned of additional penalties, including a possible ban.SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM SUPPORTERS OPEN UP ON ENCOUNTER WITH SECURITY, PRO-TRANS FANS IN LATEST WNBA CULTURE CLASHAhead of the match, Sousa said she brought five printed copies of the NWSL and Providence Park codes of conduct after receiving a message from local activ...