Kicked out of soccer game for wearing MAGA cap, fan says
Footage shows a man identified as Michael Weitzel being escorted from the stadium wearing the distinctive red headgear.
'I am being evicted from the premises because of Donald Trump - because we can't wear Donald Trump hats in public,' Weizel says in a clip first shared by reporter Greg Keller on X.
'Now I am being evicted from the premises. Trump is not welcome at St Louis City SC club. Trump is not welcome here.
'I'm being asked to leave by the police. I am being threatened with arrest. They are asking me to leave.'
A police officer escorting Weitzel out of the stadium can be heard explaining that he is a Trump supporter too but has to carry out the club's rules banning political statements at the stadium. Booing and jeering can also be heard in the background.
'He gets it, he's just following the rules,' Weitzel says of the officer dealing with him. 'It's not his fault. This is the stadium's rules here.'
It is unclear precisely when the incident happened. Keller posted the video on August 2, saying it occurred 'last night.'
But the most recent St Louis City game was held on July 30 - a friendly game against Premier League team Aston Villa.
Major League Soccer fan code of conduct rules state on its website that supporters are not allowed to make political gestures through their clothing at games.
Listed in the prohibited section of the MLS website, the rule says: 'Displaying 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.'
St Louis City SC, when contacted for comment, directed Daily Mail to those guidelines and offered no further statement.
The fan appears to be told by security that his ban only covers the game in question and that he would be allowed back in the future.
Keller, meanwhile, later said that the the video is being reviewed by the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, which the Daily Mail has contacted for comment. MLS has also been offered the chance to speak about the video.
The same issue has arisen in other sports across the United States. Last October, San Francisco 49ers fans said they were stopped from bringing Trump merchandise into Levi's Stadium before an NFL game.
The fans in question shared video to TikTok showing stadium security telling them to throw their hat away or to leave the stadium.
The woman who uploaded the footage said it caused a 45-minute dispute before security eventually relented and let the family in - although they missed the beginning of the game.
Ironically, after the 49ers beat the Dallas Cowboys on October 27, San Francisco guard Nick Bosa gatecrashed a post-game interview wearing a white MAGA cap. He was fined $11,255 by the NFL.
According to league rules, players are prohibited from displaying a personal message or non-sponsored branding 'at any point throughout a game day when visible at the stadium and TV audience, including postgame interviews in the locker room or on the field.'
Bosa was unapologetic, telling reporters: 'I haven't got one (a fine) yet, but if it comes, it comes. It was well worth it.'
After Trump won last November's election, Bosa largely stayed silent aside from saying: 'Clearly, the nation spoke. And we got what we got what we want.'
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