A representative of the Portland Thorns stated that eight fans were removed from Providence Park during the NWSL club’s September 6 match against the Washington Spirit. The fans were accused of distributing ‘unapproved materials,’ which the group contests. In a statement provided to OutKick, the spokesperson detailed, ‘During our September 6 match against the Washington Spirit, individuals were ejected from Providence Park for distributing unapproved materials, violating 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 further mentioned that the issue is under investigation.
A group of soccer fans took a photo after their ejection before the Portland Thorns and Washington Spirits match. (Photo credit: Amy E. Sousa / X: @KnownHeretic) Amy Sousa, a member of the group, refuted the allegations, claiming they were targeted for political reasons and were showing support for women’s sports.
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Sousa stated, ‘We did not distribute any materials. We came armed with copies of their own code of conduct and adhered strictly to it,’ according to a statement sent to OutKick. ‘They are falsely accusing us. They have breached our rights. My group was targeted for expressing online political views.’
On that day at Providence Park, the group wore XX-XY Athletics apparel and shirts saying ‘Save Women’s Sports,’ ‘Girls just wanna have fundamental rights,’ ‘Woman,’ and ‘It’s common sense.’
A video showed Sousa questioning her removal after entering the stadium and taking her seat. Security delivered a notice from Providence Park and removed the group of eight following a dispute over accusations of distributing materials, which Sousa denies. The notice cited a Code of Conduct violation with a warning of potential additional penalties, including a possible ban.
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Before the match, Sousa explained that she took five printed copies of the NWSL and Providence Park codes of conduct after receiving a message from local activist Hannah Perry. Sousa refuted any distribution of materials, saying Perry had informed her of contacting officials about their planned attendance, prompting her to prepare with venue rules. Sousa also indicated the group only shared the printed copies among themselves while seated.
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Amy Sousa took a photo inside Providence Park before the Portland Thorns and Washington Spirits match. (Photo credit: Amy E. Sousa / X: @KnownHeretic) The group of eight was ejected from the Thorns match on September 6 after bringing apparel supporting women’s sports. (Photo credit: Amy E. Sousa / X: @KnownHeretic) ‘We only shared them within our group while seated facing each other. We only brought five,’ Sousa commented. ‘If we were distributing anything, it would be captured on video.’ Sousa also mentioned the XX-XY clothing was concealed upon arrival at the stadium.
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‘And our XX/XY Clothes were not visible when we arrived,’ Sousa added. Following the park incident, the group moved to a local bar—the Sports Bra, known for its focus on women’s sports—where they were also asked to leave. Video footage showed a staff member at the bar ordering the group to leave, accusing them of wearing what they described as ‘transphobic’ clothing.
The Sports Bra issued a statement on social media defending their decision. ‘At The Sports Bra, our mission is simple: support, promote, and empower ALL girls and women in sports,’ the bar declared. ‘To clarify: trans girls are girls, and trans women are women.’ The statement also mentioned that while welcoming all identities and backgrounds, they do ‘not tolerate messages or conduct that demean or exclude the very community we exist to serve and celebrate.’/p>
‘On Sunday, September 6, a group entered wearing apparel with messages advocating for the exclusion of trans women from sports,’ the statement elaborated. ‘When our team respectfully asked the group to cover the anti-trans messaging or leave, they chose to leave.’
The incident remains a point of contention, as women’s sports organizations continue to assert their cultural messaging to fans and take action against those not conforming. Readers can provide feedback by contacting Alejandro Avila of OutKick or following him on X: @alejandroaveela. Avila is a veteran writer based in Southern California.