Ari Laureano Alleges He Was Attacked With Flagpoles at Thorns Match

Ari Laureano opened his coat at a Portland Thorns match on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, to reveal an XX-XY Athletics T-shirt. Moments later, he says he was attacked by members of the pro-trans crowd, who struck him twice in the face with flagpoles.

The incident occurred as Laureano and a group of women, most of whom held a sign reading “Save Women’s Sports,” were confronted by trans supporters. Laureano, a detransitioned man, alleged that after the initial strikes, the attackers used trans-pride flags to hide themselves while poking other women in his group. The activists were subsequently ejected from the NWSL match.

Providence Park Flagpole Policy

According to the stadium’s guest guide, banner and flag poles are permitted provided they are hollow PVC pipe and no longer than 6 feet in length. The guidelines explicitly prohibit poles made of metal or wood and state that a flagpole “cannot be used as a projectile, and must not be constructed of wood, metal or other materials that may cause harm to others.”

While other sports venues, such as the NBA and Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, ban sticks and flagpoles, soccer clubs often allow them to maintain European traditions involving chants and banners. Spokespeople for the Portland Thorns and Portland Timbers did not respond to inquiries regarding the policy.

Portland Officials Deny Approving Policies

Portland officials stated the city did not approve the policies that led to the removal of the “Save Women’s Sports” supporters. There is currently no indication that the stadium’s rules regarding flagpoles will be changed following the alleged attacks.