Fans In Timbers Army Banned From Providence Park For Political Signage

MLS stated that the Iron Front symbol is connected to the antifa movement GETTY IMAGES

A select group of Timbers fans were banned from attending games at Providence Park for "waving flags that show the Iron Front symbol, which violates MLS' prohibition on political signage in its stadiums," according to Jeff Carlisle of ESPN.com. Sources said that those banned were "fans belonging to the Timbers Army," the main supporters' group for the club, and that the ban will last three games. MLS has "stated that the symbol is connected to the antifa movement and thus constitutes a link to a political organization," though the Timbers Army "contends that the image is intended to promote inclusion, anti-fascism and anti-racism." The Timbers "directed all requests for comment about the bans to MLS" (ESPN.com, 9/5). The Timbers Army has been "pushing back against MLS' ban on political signage for months" (Portland OREGONIAN, 9/5).