Activists Ejected From NWSL Match After Confrontation Over 'Save Women's Sports' Banner

Approximately 20 activists wearing XX-XY Athletics shirts were removed from a Portland Thorns NWSL match on Friday night after displaying a banner that read "Save Women's Sports." The group alleges they were subjected to verbal abuse and physical aggression, including being struck with flagpoles, by other spectators who supported transgender inclusion.

The incident occurred during the Portland Thorns' game against the North Carolina Courage at Providence Park. According to accounts from the "Save Women's Sports" group, they initially concealed their shirts and banner during the first half. At the start of the second half, they revealed them, which quickly led to a confrontation.

Activists stated that fans described as supporters of transgender inclusion responded with shouting and physical actions. Brandi Kruse, an organizer with XX-XY Athletics, reported being restrained by her arm by a security guard and escorted out of the stadium after refusing to leave voluntarily. She claims members of her group were hit multiple times with flags, with some incidents appearing intentional.

"We were attacked by fans. We were hit with flags. We had drinks and thrown at us," said Amy Sousa, another activist present. "Other people were forcibly pushed out the door. We had an ADA woman in a walker, she was forcibly pushed out the door. They let these people hit us with flags, another woman was punched in the face, all because we wanted to stand there in our shirts to protect girls sports."

OutKick reporter Matt Calkins, who was credentialed for the match, reported that he also faced verbal and physical aggression while attempting to document the confrontation. He stated he was flipped off, called a Nazi, had his phone knocked from his hand, and had beer poured on his neck.

This is not the first time Sousa and supporters of XX-XY Athletics have faced removal from a Thorns game. A smaller group was ejected in early September, with Sousa reporting being accused of transphobia for wearing pro-women apparel.

Some members of the XX-XY group left the stadium preemptively, citing safety concerns after observing spectators wearing "Protect Trans Kids" shirts with knife imagery. Ari Laureano, who has detransitioned, remained and reported being hit in the face with a flagpole. He stated that flags were used to obscure assaults on women in his group.

The National Women's Soccer League, which includes the Portland Thorns, does not have a policy that automatically excludes transgender players. Additionally, Washington and Colorado have ballot measures in the upcoming election that would restrict athletic participation based on biological sex, with Washington's applying to K-12 sports and Colorado's extending to college athletics.