On September 15, 2025, Real Salt Lake issued an apology after a fan was ejected from America First Field in Sandy for refusing to remove a red “Make America Great Again” hat. The incident, captured on video, shows security ordering the fan to take off his hat during a match against Sporting Kansas City. When he declined, he was escorted out of the stadium.

After the video spread online, RSL admitted its staff acted outside league policy. The club apologized and invited the fan and his family back. But this was not an isolated event. Just two months earlier, another MLS fan in St. Louis was also removed from a match for wearing the same type of hat.

This matters far beyond one team or one hat. Major League Soccer’s own policy prohibits political signs and banners inside stadiums — not personal clothing. That means fans on all sides of the political spectrum should be free to wear apparel expressing their beliefs, whether liberal, conservative, or otherwise. When security ejects people for a hat, it undermines trust, divides communities, and violates MLS’s stated commitment to being an inclusive league.

Stadiums are supposed to be places where fans of every background come together to celebrate the game. That only works if the rules are clear and applied fairly. No fan should face removal for wearing a piece of clothing that is explicitly allowed under league guidelines.

We call on Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber and Real Salt Lake President John Kimball to ensure every MLS team properly trains staff on league policy and enforces it consistently. Fans deserve to know that their rights will be respected — regardless of their political views.

Soccer should unite us, not censor us. Protect free expression for all fans at MLS games.