Official Timbers/Thorns Providence Park policy has banned the display of the Iron Front logo, and so it seems a previous announcement was too good to be true.
No Iron Front symbology will be allowed in Providence Park during Timbers, Thorns or T2 games. This rule includes any creative “work-arounds” like we saw in Vancouver this past Friday [May 10] and any Iron Front-based clearly organized displays that make a public statement. Due to the extensive dialogue on this issue and subsequent breaches of trust in Vancouver and in other media, We will be enforcing strict punishments for any violations of this rule out of the gate, starting with multi-game bans for violators.
[“Shoot Here” graphic made by Andrew FuckTheTimbersAndSounders Delbaere – as seen in Cascadia Trifecta.]
What’s disturbing about this, aside from the outright ban, is the multiple game bans for violators on first offense. It has been pointed out that outright sexual harassment and other forms of intimidation in Proviedence Park and other well publicized MLS venues have not resulted in the same degree of discipline.
The official Timbers Army response is well worth reading. It’s a sad day when we have to kneel to Don Garber and the collective ownership group of the league, and a symbol of fighting against racism and oppression is more controversial than actual racism in the league, not to mention sexual harassment. It’s also hypocritical of the FO to promote international friendlies with St. Pauli, and cross-sell their merch when we seem to be headed in the direction of not being allowed to wear it in the stadium…
