I would not have thought that going to a soccer game would be a political experience. And it seems that the MLS are quite keen to reinforce that idea. There have been angry responses, however, after the symbol of the Iron Front was judged to violate Major League Soccer’s political ban.
The sign, which features three diagonally-pointing arrows, is used by the group Antifa. Members of the group argue that its point is a human rights one, representing a resistance to fascism. But MLS officials disagree, as the group often engages in social and political protest.
A group of supporters were removed from the Atlanta United game a couple of weeks ago for displaying the sign.
The Timbers Army were forced by security to take down the flag earlier this season. This came during a game against Seattle Sounders. Sounders’ management issued a letter explaining the ban, and referencing Antifa alongside groups such as Patriot Prayer and the Proud Boys.
Since then, many fans have been wielding the flag. And a social media campaign under #AUnitedFront was started.
“We unequivocally condemn groups that engage in hateful actions and speech,” MLS president, Mark Abbott has said. “We don’t believe our venues are the appropriate place for signage that promotes any kind of third-party political organisation…, regardless of whether we agree with the tenets of that organisation.”
Trump 2020 flags have also been removed. Earlier this month scuffles broke out between Sounders fans and far-right protestors. There seems to be a growing politicisation of soccer. It will be interesting to see if this breaks out into sports across the board. Particularly with the Olympics next year.
For more soccer news, check out The Expected Trial Date for The Women’s National Soccer Team Versus US Soccer Will be Held on May 5.
