DOJ Reviewing Portland Thorns Match Incident on Oct. 24; Police Open Two Potential Criminal Cases, No Arrests
On October 24, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice said it is reviewing a confrontation at a Portland Thorns home match, after spectators who displayed a banner clashed with other spectators and were removed by stadium security.
The incident took place on Friday, October 23, during the Thorns' home game against the North Carolina Courage. About 20 spectators kept slogan-printed shirts covered during the first half, then unfurled a banner as the second half began, followed by verbal and physical clashes with flag-carrying spectators; security escorted them from the stands. A Justice Department spokesperson said the department is aware of the reports and will review the matter thoroughly, and a department official said that, based on what is known so far, the issue concerns viewpoint discrimination and the First Amendment rather than sex discrimination.
The Portland Police Bureau said its officers did not take part in the removals and responded only when some individuals refused to leave and lay down blocking exits, after which both sides agreed to depart. Police have opened two potential criminal cases — suspected harassment and suspected criminal mischief, case numbers 26-309064 and 26-309306. No injuries have been reported and no one has been arrested; the investigation continues. The Justice Department has announced no charges.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：波特兰市区天际线。摄影：SounderBruce，CC BY-SA，图片来源：Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: Downtown Portland skyline, by SounderBruce, CC BY-SA, via Wikimedia Commons.
