Featured

MAGA Hat Wearing Soccer Fan Booted From Stadium as Pride Flags Fly [WATCH]

A St. Louis City SC season ticket holder was removed from CITYPARK stadium during a recent Major League Soccer match after wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, prompting renewed scrutiny of the league’s policies regarding political expression and fan conduct.

The fan, Michael Weitzel, captured the incident on video as he was escorted out of the stadium by security staff.

The footage, which has since gone viral, shows Weitzel questioning the reasoning behind his removal, specifically referencing the presence of Pride flags elsewhere in the stadium.

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

According to Weitzel, his ejection occurred shortly after he was approached about his red MAGA cap.

Major League Soccer’s official Fan Code of Conduct prohibits a range of expressive items, including those used “for electioneering, campaigning or advocating for or against any candidate, political party, legislative issue, or government action.”

The policy also bans signs, gestures, or language that could be interpreted as discriminatory or abusive.

Weitzel’s removal was carried out under this section of the league’s policy. However, questions quickly arose after Weitzel pointed out the presence of Pride flags and related symbols on display throughout the stadium.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

In the video, a security guard explains that those flags were “pre-approved,” in accordance with stadium policy.

During the exchange, Weitzel is heard asking whether removing his hat would allow him to remain in the stadium for the rest of the match.

A separate staff member, not the security guard, responded, “Nope, it’s too late. You’re outta here!”

The security personnel involved also acknowledged, during the video, that they personally support President Donald Trump, but stated they were required to enforce stadium rules as written.

No physical altercation is seen in the footage, and Weitzel exited the premises without further incident.

The event occurred at a St. Louis City SC home game during the club’s current MLS season.

The team, which entered the league in 2023, is the newest expansion club and has a significant fan base in the St. Louis area.

CITYPARK, its home stadium, has drawn attention for its design and atmosphere, as well as its corporate policies.

Under MLS’s current fan conduct guidelines, political slogans and apparel deemed as campaigning or electioneering are not permitted within stadium grounds.

This includes visual symbols such as flags, banners, and clothing with overt political messaging.

The same document, however, allows clubs to approve certain items at their discretion.

It also remains unclear whether Weitzel has filed a formal complaint or whether further action will be taken.

In recent years, MLS, like many other professional sports leagues, has faced questions over its policies related to political messaging and expression.

While the league has supported various social initiatives, such as LGBTQ+ inclusion, some fans and critics have pointed out what they view as inconsistent application of rules regarding political content.

Weitzel, a St. Louis native and long-time supporter of the team, has not been banned and remains a season ticket holder, according to a source familiar with the situation.

However, the incident has generated attention online, with ongoing debate about where sports leagues draw the line between political messaging and policy enforcement.


The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.



Source link

Related Posts

1 of 67