Overview

• Michael Weitzel was escorted from a St. Louis City SC match for wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, which security said violated MLS’s ban on political messaging.
• MLS’s Fan Code of Conduct prohibits “signs, symbols or images” advocating for or against any candidate or issue but does not explicitly mention apparel, creating enforcement ambiguity.
• Security initially told Weitzel he could remove the hat and return, then reversed course and threatened arrest when he refused to leave the premises.
• Weitzel pointed to Pride flags inside the stadium, which security said were “pre-approved,” raising questions about selective policy application.
• The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has opened a review of the viral footage while MLS and St. Louis City SC have not issued any public comment.