Portland Thorns Face Backlash Over Fan Post Amidst Activist Confrontation

Portland Thorns fans are facing significant criticism on social media after the team posted a message of appreciation for their supporters following an incident at a recent match. The controversy erupted on Friday night when individuals identifying with the "Save Women's Sports" movement, wearing "XX-XY Athletics" T-shirts and holding a banner, encountered a hostile reaction from other attendees.

According to reports, the activists stated they were peacefully present to express their views on biological reality in sports. However, they allege being struck with a flag pole, verbally assaulted, and physically restrained by security. One activist, identified as Brandi Kruse, claimed she was physically removed from the stadium. She also reported that a 57-year-old lesbian, Julie, was shoved down several rows by a male fan while wearing an "XX-XY Athletics" shirt, an incident for which the male fan later apologized. Julie reportedly filed a police report.

Following the match, the Portland Thorns' official social media account posted a message reading, "the 𝒂𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕e best fans in all the land 🫶   thank you for the best atmosphere, support and energy tonight and all season long! we couldn’t do it without you!"

This post quickly drew sharp criticism online. Many users pointed to the alleged actions of some fans and the team's security during the activist confrontation. Columnist Dustin Grage commented, "Your fans are violent and you cheered them on." Journalist Andy Ngo stated, "You allowed thugs to assault women and then had your security force the victims out." Other social media users expressed similar sentiments, with one writing, "Your fans assaulted a woman and then your security threw her out. DISGUSTING."

The incident occurred on Fan Appreciation Night, a detail noted by OutKick reporter Jackson Thompson, who suggested the team should have been more attuned to the situation regardless of the event's theme. Critics argued that the team's celebratory post ignored the alleged mistreatment of the activists and seemed to endorse the behavior of those who confronted them. The backlash led to the team's social media post being "ratioed," receiving a significantly higher number of replies than likes, indicating widespread disapproval.