"Save Women's Sports" supporters removed from Portland women's soccer match
A group of "Save Women's Sports" supporters was removed from a women's soccer match in Portland, in the US state of Oregon. Independent journalist Brandi Kruse described the incident on Laura Ingraham's programme on Fox News.
The incident took place on Friday (23 October) at a Portland Thorns match at Providence Park in Portland. A group of around 20 women had gone to watch the match wearing XX-XY T-shirts; they also unfurled a large "Save Women's Sports" banner.
The group alleges that some nearby spectators behaved aggressively towards them, verbally and physically. In the end, however, stadium security removed Kruse's group, while those accused of attacking them remained in the stadium, according to the group.
Brandi Kruse said she received no explanation from security staff or the club authorities for why they were removed. She told the programme that three days had passed and still no explanation had been given.
According to Kruse, she can be heard in a video demanding that security tell her the reason. She said, "We did nothing wrong." In reply, the security staff member said, "You know what you did." Kruse said, "I have no idea what I did."
Kruse added that she was not willing to leave the stadium voluntarily. In her words, if the authorities wanted her out, they would have to own that decision and drag her out; she would not leave of her own free will.
Ingraham raised the Portland Thorns' statement on the programme, in which the club said it is "committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone."
On the same night after the match, the Portland Thorns' official X account posted praise for its fans. The report notes that the post drew heavy criticism in its comment section.
