Timbers, Sounders Fan Groups Silently Protest MLS Signage Policy

Groups of supporters of the Timbers and Sounders "staged a silent protest for the first 33 minutes" of Friday's nationally-televised game between the two teams. 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." The Timbers Army supporters group "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).