A fan wearing an “Abolish ICE” shirt to an Austin FC match Saturday was removed from Q2 Stadium.
An Instagram account showing a woman wearing the shirt and leaving the stadium features a video claiming she was “kicked out of the Q2 Stadium” for the attire. A post on social media platform Reddit also has a picture of the woman wearing the shirt inside the stadium talking to an Austin Police Department officer with the caption: “They kicked her out.”
In an emailed statement to the American-Statesman, Austin FC officials said Monday the fan was removed for violating Q2’s venue policy, which states, “Signs, symbols, or images displayed for commercial purposes for electioneering, campaigning or advocating for or against any candidate, political party, legislative issues or government action is prohibited.”
The club stated the fan was offered a “complimentary T-shirt” to wear to remain in the stadium. Austin FC said that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was not at the stadium Saturday and has never been at Q2 Stadium.
Austin FC’s full statement is as follows:
“Austin FC is committed to providing a welcoming, safe and respectful environment for all fans.
“On Saturday, we engaged in a respectful conversation with an individual who was not in compliance with Q2 Stadium policy. We provided the option of receiving a complimentary T-shirt to remain compliant with the policy or to leave the venue. The situation was handled in accordance with the venue’s matchday policies.
“Despite reports to the contrary, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has not been present at Q2 Stadium during matches including last Saturday night. We can also confirm that ICE does not use Austin FC’s offices or facilities.”
The shirt was worn almost week after an ICE officer shot and wounded a Venezuelan delivery driver Sept. 20 in North Austin. Last year, fans expressed anti-ICE sentiments by hanging banners in the stands.
Saturday’s match ended in a 3-3 draw. Austin FC is off for the next several days, until a game Oct. 10 against Nashville.
This article originally published at ‘Abolish ICE’ shirt gets fan kicked out of Q2 Stadium before Austin FC match.
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