Portland Thorns Match Ends with Protesters Ejected After Flagbrawl Twenty pro‑women's sports activists were escorted out of Providence Park after confrontations with transgender supporters. The incident involved flagpoles, verbal abuse, and physical aggression, leading to police reports and security removal. Twenty activists from the Save Women's Sports movement were forcibly removed from a Portland Thorns game on Friday night after a confrontation that escalated into physical violence and the use of flagpoles. Activists removed from Portland Thorns gameThe demonstrators, wearing shirts that read XX‑XY, unfurled a large banner at the start of the second half of the Thorns' match against the North Carolina Courage. The banner and shirts were used to draw attention to the activists' call for an exclusive female‑only sport. According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, members of the Rose City Riveters - a transgender‑supportive fan group - reacted angrily to the displays.Several trans‑pride flags were handed to spectators just before the second half began, apparently to block the view of the banner and to confront the activists. The confrontation quickly turned physical, with flagpoles and other objects used to strike members of the protest group. Four activists filed police reports after they were struck and verbally abused. A journalist from OutKick, Matt Calkins, was also assaulted.He was knocked down, his phone poked out of his hand, a beer was poured on his neck, and he was called a Nazi. Security personnel re‑entered the stadium to escort the 20 demonstrators from the stands. The activists described being hit with flags and punched in the face. A steel wheelchair user was also forcibly pushed out of the stadium.Violence erupts during second half confrontationOne woman in a walker had to be rescued by police after being shoved by a fan. The protest was led by activist Lin Sousa, whose statement expresses her fear of further harm. In an interview, Sousa said, "We were attacked by fans. We were hit with flags.We had drinks and thrown at us. We had an ADA woman in a walker, she was forcibly pushed out the door. They let these people hit us with flags, another woman was punched in the face." She added that the activists had entered the match with the shirts hidden, then revealed them after the first half to avoid early ejection. After the incident, security staff removed the activists from the stadium, but the protest continues. The club's schedule identified the match as a "Fan Appreciation" night. The protesters' supporters say the demonstrators were "lynched" and are calling for transparency from the club's security.Even after the fight, Thorns officials confirmed security removed the demonstrators, but the fans argue that no one was asked to leave. The protest remains in the limelight, calling attention to a broader debate about inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports. The 2026 incident stands as the latest chapter in the city's effort to balance fan experiences at political demonstrations and the regulations of sports leagues.Police and league investigate assault chargesThe Latin​ Thorns stadium staff contacted local police, who are investigating the incident for possible charges. Investigations are underway and the National Women's Soccer League is reviewing the incident with an eye to policy. Workers in the league have said the incident will not repeat and that they will actively protect fans from harassment regardless of activist stance.The protest also demonstrates how a 2026 match became a flashpoint for policy around transgender‑inclusivity in women's league sports, underscoring that socially charged issues have a major impact on how sports events are managed. Kimberly "Betty" Kruse, a member of the protest, said that a security guard had her arm restrained and she was escorted out minutes after her protest video was posted on social media, inviting the court to review.Police are investigating the assault, the flag usage by security staff, and possible violations of enforcement guidelines. 2026 has seen a rise in protest-oriented confrontations across sporting venues, prompting the National Association of Sports Event Security to advocate an updated public safety protocol. This incident highlights the ongoing conflict between activists who want to protect women's sports and fans who seek broader inclusion. The Thorns and the league are under pressure to clarify how to handle protest on game day.Protest highlights transgender inclusion debateAt the same time, fans left the game to gather at the exit with an angry crowd. A large group of Thorns fans saw the second half start and reported that they had an alternate plan for blocking the protest. The protestors said from them, "One man shouted three times and during the repeat we were screaming about Trans lives matter." The scandal continues, and the league's policy case will inform future policy and laws on the use of open spaces as protest. The incident raises the question: if the protest should have stayed for the rest of the game or had the security removed early? Investigations continue, but the protest verified everyone's right to be heard, by protest or policy.Besides the flagpoles and cheers, the clash is now under state law for a public safety demonstration and triggering scholarly debate on safe,.