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Timbers, Sounders Fan Groups Silently Protest MLS Signage Policy

Fans in the supporters' sections remained silent until the end of the 33rd minuteGETTY IMAGES

Timbers and Sounders supporters' groups "staged a silent protest for the first 33 minutes" of Friday's nationally televised game between the two teams, according to Jeff Carlisle of ESPN.com. The groups were protesting MLS' "ban on political signage, and in particular the Iron Front symbol." The supporters' groups "contend that the Iron Front symbol is intended to promote inclusion, anti-fascism and anti-racism." But MLS has "stated the symbol is connected to the antifa movement in the U.S. and thus constitutes a link to a political organization." As part of the protest, the Timbers Army "did not display any pregame tifo as it normally does and, along with Seattle groups the Emerald City Supporters and Gorilla FC, refused to engage in organized chants, songs, choreography, flag-waving and the playing of drums or trumpets" (ESPN.com, 8/23). In Portland, Jamie Goldberg noted the Timbers Army is "regarded as one of the most raucous and passionate supporters' groups in MLS." But the atmosphere at Providence Park with 25,218 fans in attendance was "noticeably subdued early" due to the protest. Both the Timbers and Sounders "reiterated their opposition to fascism by each creating custom pennants" for the game that "included the phrases 'anti-fascist' and 'anti-racist.'" The starting lineups from both teams "posed for a photo together with the pennants" (Portland OREGONIAN, 8/24). Fans in the supporters' sections remained silent until the end of the 33rd minute to "commemorate 1933, the year that the Iron Front was disbanded in Nazi Germany" (Portland OREGONIAN, 8/24).

SOMETHING'S NOT RIGHT: Both the Timbers and Sounders wore green jerseys for the game, and ESPN's Taylor Twellman during the broadcast said this is "first time I've ever seen it." ESPN's Jon Champion: "I'm not entirely sure we should be seeing it. It's not the most vivid of contrasts." Twellman said, "Atypical of the greatest rivalry of this sport in the United States. Quiet stadium, both teams wearing green jerseys, you look at it and it's weird" ("Sounders-Timbers," ESPN, 8/23).

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