We, the undersigned fans of Real Salt Lake, want a safe and welcoming environment for everyone at America First Field and across the RSL community.

On September 14, 2025, RSL issued the following statement:

“During last night’s RSL match a fan was asked to remove a Make America Great Again hat. We have apologized to the fan and gladly invite him and his family to attend RSL matches in the future. RSL has a vibrant and diverse fanbase and we invite them to continue to unite our community through the power of sport and the beautiful game.”

We agree, RSL’s fanbase is vibrant and diverse, representative of many people. However, the apology and invitation extended undermines that exact fact.

RSL’s own Code of Conduct explicitly prohibits:

“Signs, symbols or images for commercial purposes or for electioneering, campaigning, or advocating for or against any candidate, political party, legislative issue, or government action.”

By apologizing and inviting this fan back rather than enforcing that policy, the club undermined the rules that all fans are expected to follow.

Even more troubling, before this statement was released, the individual had publicly posted racist, homophobic, and violent comments. In one tweet, he used a racial slur while calling for RSL to field a team without foreign players — a direct attack on many of the players and staff who represent the club.

By issuing an apology and invitation without addressing this conduct, RSL gives the impression that such hate speech is tolerated — or even condoned. This is unacceptable and undermines the values of inclusivity, respect, and safety that RSL claims to uphold.

Until RSL makes clear that hate speech is not welcome, we, the undersigned, do not feel comfortable attending matches, buying merchandise, or renewing season tickets.

We, the undersigned, demand:

RSL: clearly affirm that hate speech will not be tolerated in its community.

 
The Club: reaffirm and enforce its Code of Conduct consistently for all fans.

 
RSL: release a public statement condemning hate speech, making clear it is incompatible with being part of the RSL family.

 
The Miller Group: understand that this issue affects more than just the soccer club — the response will reflect on all of their businesses. Fans and customers are observing how leadership responds.

 
Real Salt Lake has built a reputation as a club where everyone belongs. Leadership must send a clear message: Hate has no home here.