Journalist removed from soccer match details 'intolerant' crowd behavior
Brandi Kruse, wearing a T-shirt supporting female athletics, describes being escorted out of a Portland Thorns game.
Independent journalist Brandi Kruse recounted her experience of being removed from a National Women's Soccer League match in Portland, Oregon, stating she and a group of women wearing XX-XY shirts were escorted out by stadium security. Kruse told Laura Ingraham on Fox News that they were allegedly harassed by nearby fans and that security provided no explanation for their removal.
According to Kruse, the group was wearing shirts that read 'XX-XY' and displayed a 'Save Women's Sports' banner. She described being confronted by what she termed an 'anti-reality' crowd, with instances of verbal and physical aggression, including having flags hit and beer dumped on them. Kruse stated that she demanded security explain why they had to leave, and was told by one guard, "you know what you did?" She replied, "I have no idea what I did."
Kruse stated that she refused to leave voluntarily and that security would have had to forcibly remove her and her companions. She noted that Portland Thorns' official social media account celebrated their fans after the match, while those who allegedly engaged in aggressive behavior were not removed. The Thorns organization released a statement saying they are committed to a safe and inclusive environment and are reviewing how security decisions were made to ensure policies were applied appropriately.
Kruse also mentioned that Matt Calkins, a writer covering the game, had his press pass ripped from his chest by a security guard. She expressed that the security personnel did not act as law enforcement and that the confrontation with the group supporting transgender athletes was unacceptable. Kruse argued that people should be able to encounter differing ideas without resorting to violence.
The incident occurred at Providence Park, which is owned by the city of Portland but operated by Peregrine Sports. Kruse indicated uncertainty about which entity ultimately made the decision to remove the group wearing the XX-XY shirts.