Portland Thorns face backlash following confrontation with activists

The Portland Thorns NWSL team has faced significant social media criticism following a confrontation between fans and activists from the group XX-XY Athletics during a recent Fan Appreciation Night.

Activists reported being met with verbal abuse and physical hostility, including being struck with a flagpole, while wearing XX-XY Athletics T-shirts and displaying a “Save Women’s Sports” sign. Witnesses and activists, including reporter Brandi Kruse, stated that stadium security physically restrained and removed several individuals from the venue. Kruse reported that a 57-year-old woman was shoved by a fan, causing her to fall over several rows of seats; a police report has reportedly been filed regarding the incident.

The backlash intensified after the Thorns’ official social media account posted a message thanking their fans for the “best atmosphere, support and energy.” The post was widely criticized by journalists and observers who argued the team was praising a crowd that had participated in or witnessed the hostile behavior toward the activists.