In the recent clash between OL Reign W and Gotham FC, which marked the farewell match for soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe, an unexpected incident outside the stadium added an intriguing layer to the event. The match itself ended in a 1-2 defeat for OL Reign, but it was a young fan named Meredith who unintentionally stole some of the spotlight.
Meredith arrived at the stadium with a poster that read, “MAY THE GAYEST TEAM WIN.” While she may have intended it as a light-hearted expression of support for the inclusive spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and its diverse players, the stadium’s security team saw it differently.
The security personnel, presumably concerned about the potential for controversy or conflict, refused to allow Meredith to enter the stadium with her poster. This decision, aimed at preventing any disturbances during the event, became the center of attention when Meredith took to social media to share her experience.
Posting on X (formerly known as Twitter), Meredith shared a picture of herself holding the poster and expressed her frustration: “#NWSLChampionship security stopped me and wouldn’t let me in with my sign because they didn’t want it to “start something,” or be controversial/conflict-causing. Humiliating experience aside, does the league even know their audience??? @nwsl”
Meredith’s tweet quickly gained traction, with fans, activists, and even some players expressing their opinions on the matter. Many questioned the decision to prevent entry based on a sign that seemingly celebrated the league’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The incident raises important questions about the balance between maintaining a safe and inclusive environment within the stadium and allowing fans to express themselves freely. While security concerns are undoubtedly valid, it is crucial for sports organizations like the NWSL to strike a balance that respects the diversity and inclusivity they aim to promote.
As the NWSL Championship marked the end of an era with Megan Rapinoe’s final match, it also brought to light the ongoing conversations about the role of expression and identity in sports culture.
The incident involving Meredith’s poster serves as a reminder that even seemingly harmless expressions of support can be interpreted differently, sparking a broader conversation about the expectations and boundaries within the world of professional sports.
#NWSLChampionship security stopped me and wouldn’t let me in with my sign because they didn’t want it to “start something,” or be controversial/conflict-causing. Humiliating experience aside, does the league even know their audience??? @nwsl pic.twitter.com/8fsUpzSi6X
— Meredith (@Mer_anne98) November 12, 2023
OL Reign W performance and stats
OL Reign W is currently 1st in the Nwsl Challenge Cup Women with 14 points.
In the last 7 games, it has won 4 times, drawn twice, and lost once. In its last match, OL Reign W lost 0-1 against Racing Louisville W.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 7 goals and conceding 0.
