Fans disagree with Portland Thorns over reason for ejection in XX-XY apparel dispute: 'They are lying'

A Portland Thorns spokesperson said eight fans during the NWSL clubs Sept. 6 match against the Washington Spirit for distributing "unapproved materials," a claim the group disputes.

In a statement sent to OutKick, the Thorns spokesperson said, "During our September 6 match against the Washington Spirit, individuals were removed from Providence Park for distributing unapproved materials, a violation of the Fan Experience Guidelines at the stadium. Our priority remains fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every fan at Providence Park." The Thorns spokesperson added that the matter is still being investigated.

Amy Sousa, who was part of the group, denied the allegation, saying the fans were targeted for political reasons and were expressing support for womens sports.

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"We did not distribute any materials. We came armed with copies of their own code of conduct and we followed it to the letter," Sousa said in a statement sent to OutKick. "They are lying about us. They have violated our rights. My group was targeted for political beliefs I speak about online."

The group was wearing XX-XY Athletics apparel and shirts bearing messages including "Save Womens Sports," "Girls just wanna have fundamental rights," "Woman" and "Its common sense."

Video showed Sousa questioning her removal after she had entered the stadium and taken her seat. Security handed the group of eight a Providence Park notice and escorted them out after a dispute over whether they were distributing materials, a claim Sousa denies.

The notice cited a Code of Conduct violation and warned of additional penalties, including a possible ban.

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Ahead of the match, Sousa said she brought five printed copies of the NWSL and Providence Park codes of conduct after receiving a message from local activist Hannah Perry.

Sousa said Perry had warned her that she was contacting officials about the groups planned attendance, so she wanted to be prepared to reference the venues rules. Sousa also said the group only shared the printed copies among themselves while seated.

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"We only shared them to our own group while seated facing each other. We only brought five," she said. "If we distributed anything, they would have it on video."

Sousa also said the groups XX-XY clothing was covered when they initially entered the stadium.

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