St. Louis Fan Removal for MAGA Hat Ignites Debate Over Free Speech
Donning a Make America Great Again hat is a major fashion faux pas in some circles, leading to public shaming, harassment, and sometimes violent attacks. Add getting kicked out of Major League Soccer (MLS) games to the list, if Michael Weitzel’s account of recent events is accurate.
On July 26, during a match against Minnesota United F.C., Weitzel was ejected from Energizer Park, the home stadium of St. Louis City S.C., for wearing a red “MAGA” hat. A video posted to his Instagram shows Weitzel—a season ticket holder for the past three years—speaking with a stadium security guard who is flanked by two police officers. “I’m Michael Weitzel. I’m being asked to leave by the police because of Donald Trump,” Wietzel says while pointing at his hat.
At this point, a security guard escorting Weitzel out of the stadium, who describes himself as a “Trumper,” disputes Weitzel’s characterization of events, stating, “They’re not political here.” He also addresses Weitzel’s complaint that he’s being singled out by noting that the pride flags and other banners displaying speech Weitzel pointed out were pre-approved and thus not subject to the fan code of conduct, which prohibits “threatening, abusive, or discriminatory” symbols and language. It also encourages fans to report negative impacts from others’ behavior.
Weitzel is not accused of breaking any other laws or rules regarding fan conduct, and at one point, attempts to resolve the situation by agreeing to remove his hat. Still, he’s rebuffed by an officer who responds
Article from Reason.com
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