Stadium Security Removes Supporter Wearing MAGA Cap During MLS Match
In a recent incident at a St. Louis City SC game, Michael Weitzel was escorted out of the stadium for wearing a "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) hat. The reason for his removal was the violation of the team's Fan Code of Conduct, which bans political messaging on clothing and signage (sources [1], [2]).
The St. Louis City SC's policy prohibits banners and signs containing commercial, political, or offensive content and reserves the right to deny entry to guests wearing clothing displaying offensive language or images. Although the team's dress code does not explicitly list political clothing, security treated the MAGA hat as a political symbol not permitted under their fan policy ([1]).
Major League Soccer (MLS) shares a similar stance, with Commissioner Don Garber defending the league-wide ban on political signage and messaging at MLS games to prevent incitement and maintain safety. The league’s policy forbids political signage and any displays relating to legislative acts in stadiums, reflecting a broader effort to keep sports events politically neutral spaces ([3]). The Fan Code of Conduct explicitly prohibits “signs, symbols or images” used for electioneering, campaigning, or political advocacy, consistent with the enforcement seen in this case ([4]).
The video of Weitzel's removal is gaining traction on social media, with many questioning the inconsistency in the enforcement of the MLS's Code of Conduct. The incident has been described as "classic" by news articles, highlighting the political nature of pride flags in 2025, as acknowledged by the speaker (sources [5], [6]). Pride flags were displayed in another part of the stadium, and the security guard stated they were "pre-approved."
The speaker also implies that rules may not apply equally to all parties or symbols, suggesting that the incident is not a good look for MLS and contributes to a lack of interest in the league. The incident is a recurring issue in the United States, where political symbols can lead to heated debates and controversial decisions in various public settings.
Sources:
- St. Louis City SC Fan Code of Conduct
- MLS Fan Code of Conduct
- MLS Commissioner Defends Ban on Political Signs at Games
- MLS Fan Code of Conduct Handbook
- Weitzel's Removal Sparks Debate on Political Symbols in Sports
- The Political Nature of Pride Flags in 2025
Despite the St. Louis City SC's Fan Code of Conduct not explicitly banning political clothing, the MAGA hat was treated as a political symbol not allowed in the stadium. Major League Soccer (MLS), like St. Louis City SC, forbids political signage and any political displays in stadiums to maintain political neutrality at sports events.
