The “Iron Front” symbol has been a point of contention between MLS and supporters groupsGETTY IMAGES
MLS representatives will meet with the Independent Supporters Council and supporters' groups for the Timbers and Sounders on Sept. 19 to "discuss the MLS Fan Code of Conduct," according to Jamie Goldberg of the Portland OREGONIAN. MLS has "faced backlash from fans for changing the Fan Code of Conduct this season to ban political signage and displays at games." Among the banned signage is the “Iron Front” symbol that was "first used by an anti-Nazi paramilitary organization in Germany in the 1930s." Fans say that the Iron Front symbol is "not political because it represents an opposition to fascism and oppression, which are issues of human rights." However, MLS is "concerned that the symbol has been adopted by the antifa movement." Fans are "still allowed to wear Iron Front imagery on their clothing, but are not allowed to wave flags with the symbol." However, this rule has been "enforced differently at different stadiums throughout MLS" (Portland OREGONIAN, 9/12). ESPN.com's Jeff Carlisle noted the Timbers Army, Emerald City Supporters and Gorilla FC have been "at odds with the league since the start of the season." The BOD of the 107 Independent Supporters Trust, the organizational arm of the Timbers Army, in a statement yesterday "revealed that it had met with members of the Timbers front office, as well as community leaders in a bid to state their case" (ESPN.com, 9/11).
