Republicans and conservatives have, sadly, grown used to people, usually Democrats and the Left, bubbling and fizzing like Alka-Seltzer at the sight of a MAGA hat or anything Donald Trump-related. But in the years since President Donald Trump came down the escalator in Trump Tower, it is not just mainstream liberal media that is triggered by the sight of Trump hats or clothing; it also permeates the one place Americans go to get away from political agendas: sports. There may, however, be one more victory over Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) in the world of athletics.
St. Louis City SC is making changes on what banners and flags can be flown at Energizer Park this season — and fan-led supporters groups are not happy about it. https://t.co/9HT9UWvyxq
— St. Louis Public Radio (@stlpublicradio) February 17, 2026
In August of 2025, I brought you the story of Michael Weitzel. At the time, Weitzel was a season ticket holder for the St. Louis City SC soccer team. During one match, Weitzel was escorted out of the stadium for the egregious crime of wearing a MAGA hat. When he asked why, he was referred to the Major League Soccer (MLS) fan code of conduct handbook, which prohibits displaying culturally offensive language, racial slurs, etc., and anything political. Weitzel asked if he could just remove the hat, but was told, "Nope, it’s too late. You're outta here!" However, at the opposite end of the stadium from Weitzel's seat, Black Lives Matter (BLM), Pride, and Transgender flags were flown for all the world to see.
Fast forward to Monday. St. Louis City SC announced that certain fan displays would no longer be permitted in the stadium during home games. More specifically, BLM and Pride banners, and a Transgender rights banner that reads, "Love Always Wins." The announcement came at a meeting of representatives of several fan groups on February 11 in the run-up to the season, which begins February 21. The team cited "new interpretation of policies," but stated that the banners would be permitted on certain theme nights throughout the season. The code of conduct has not changed, but has just come more in line with MLS policies in general on stadium signage.
St. Louis CITY SC is crazy.
— Andrea Katherine (@AndreaKatSTL) February 15, 2026
Last season they kicked a guy out of the stadium for wearing a MAGA hat while the official supporters wave BLM and trans flags.
Now everything is banned.
St. Louis is DEEP BLUE but Missouri is DEEP RED, and a lot of folks from outside the city go…
St. Louis is DEEP BLUE but Missouri is DEEP RED, and a lot of folks from outside the city go to matches. I knew this would happen.
Sam Wise is a co-founder of the Fleur de Noise fan group and is now experiencing in real time a quote by the great Thomas Sowell, who said, "When people get used to preferential treatment, equal treatment seems like discrimination." Wise said of the decision by the team:
Advocating and showing support for the marginalized communities of Saint Louis, as well as representing our members, many of whom across all Supporter’s Groups are African American or LGBTQIA+ is never political. We are not electioneering or involved in any political candidacy. We believe the Supporter’s Section should be a representation of all its members, the inclusivity of the diverse backgrounds, and supporting the cultures that help make our city great.
I'm willing to bet a pair of tickets that plenty of St. Louis City SC soccer fans would think BLM and Transgender banners are absolutely political. Also, if representation and inclusivity are important to Sam Wise, then he should have no problem sitting next to Michael Weitzel and his MAGA hat at the home opener.
Michael Weitzel recorded himself getting tossed out of Energizer Park, and the video went viral. While the saying goes that "there is no such thing as bad publicity," perhaps St. Louis City SC saw it a different way, in the form of a loss of revenue. They may now be acutely aware of another saying that says, "money (or the lack of it) talks."
Supporter groups of St Louis City SC are threatening to boycott games to protest not being allowed to fly trans or BLM flags - and I cannot wait. It makes matches more family friendly and non-political with the focus on the pitch.
— Midwasted (@DadMidwaste) February 15, 2026
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