During an Oct. 23 NWSL match between the Portland Thorns and the North Carolina Courage, fans demonstrating for Save Women’s Sports were attacked by fellow spectators and forcibly removed from Providence Park.
According to Fox News, the U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the incident, claiming that videos taken of the altercation could rise to the level of First Amendment discrimination or sex discrimination.
"The Justice Department is aware of these reports and will review the matter thoroughly. Where the facts and the law warrant action, the Department will not hesitate to act,” a spokesperson said.
It was the Portland Thorns’ “Fan Appreciation” night on Friday when demonstrators advocating for transgender rights were seated near the Save Women’s Sports protestors. Videos taken of the crowd show the protestors unfurling a large banner right behind several trans pride flags.
Nearby fans described “verbal abuse and physical aggression, including striking members of the group with flagpoles carrying trans flags.”
Fans associated with the Save Women’s Sports group told Fox News they strategically waited to expose their ‘XX-XY’ shirts and banner until the second half of the game, hoping to avoid ejections. Fans associated with the trans rights group were not removed from the stadium.
The Portland Thorns have not made a specific statement on the altercation, but posted on the team X account: “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!"
