Fans disagree with Portland Thorns over reason for ejection in XX-XY apparel dispute: 'They are lying'
A Portland Thorns spokesperson said eight fans were removed from Providence Park during the NWSL club’s Sept. 6 match against the Washington Spirit for distributing "unapproved materials," a claim the group disputes.
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.
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.
"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.
Ahead 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 activist Hannah Perry.
Sousa said Perry had warned her that she was contacting officials about the group’s planned attendance, so she wanted to be prepared to reference the venue’s rules. Sousa also said the group only shared the printed copies among themselves while seated.
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"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."
Sousa also said the group’s XX-XY clothing was covered when they initially entered the stadium.
"And our XX/XY Clothes were not visible when we arrived," Sousa said.
The dispute continued after the group left Providence Park.
After leaving, the group went to The Sports Bra, a Portland bar focused on women’s sports. Members were later asked to leave.
Video from inside the bar showed a staff member ordering the group to leave after accusing them of wearing "transphobic" clothing.
The Sports Bra later released a statement on social media defending its decision.
"At The Sports Bra, our mission is simple: support, promote, and empower ALL girls and women in sports," the bar said. "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."
"On Sunday, Sept. 6, a group entered wearing apparel with messages advocating for the exclusion of trans women from sports," the statement continued. "When our team respectfully gave the group notice to cover the anti-trans messaging or leave, they chose to leave."
The fallout continues as women’s sports organizations promote their cultural messaging to paying fans and show the door to those who refuse to fall in line.
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