This is an update to an ongoing story. For the original story, look here.
The Omaha Parliament member who left Union Omaha’s 2-2 draw against Forward Madison after being confronted by members of the front office staff issued a statement regarding the incident earlier Monday evening. The fan, who identified himself as “Mushy” (@Deadunion402 on Twitter/X), indicated that the decision to depart the stadium was his after being given the choice to “stop waving the Palestinian flag or leave.”
The full statement is quoted here.
“Martie” and “Alexis” refer to Union Omaha President Martie Cordaro and General Manager, Business Operations Alexis Boulos. Mr. Cordaro has been involved with Union Omaha from the beginning and also serves as the Omaha Storm Chasers President. Ms. Boulos is in her first season with the club. According to “Mushy” it was Mr. Cordaro who spoke to him directly about the flag.
“Mushy” is a 5-year season ticket holder with the club who left the match in around the 80th minute of Saturday night’s match. His initial post to social media said “Ashamed of my club. @Union_Omaha I’ve brought the flag to multiple matches and have never been asked to leave. Kicking out a 5 year season ticket holder for standing against genocide. Dead union is debating on his future presence for the remainder of the 2024 season.”
“Mushy” has said that Gary Green, Principal Owner and CEO of Union Omaha and the Omaha Storm Chasers intends to reach out to him personally on the matter.
In addition to “Mushy’s” seeking conversations with the front office, Omaha Parliament has been in touch with team leadership to discuss the issue and try to find a way forward.
The supporters group’s initial response on Saturday night was to cease all drumming and chanting for the remainder of the match and to include the Unified series match that followed.
In a statement released Sunday night, and after conversations with team leadership, Parliament issued a statement found here.
They acknowledged the 80th-minute incident and that the options given to the fan were to “put down the flag, or leave peacefully, with the latter action being taken peacefully.”
Parliament continued their statement indicating that “to our knowledge, there is currently no policy or code of conduct that was broken by the member.” Additionally, the statement reflects that this flag had been “brought through security…and had already appeared at several matches earlier in the season”.
A request for a statement from Union Omaha’s front office has been acknowledged, but no statement has been issued.
The USL Fan Code of Conduct (retrieved August 4, 2024) cites:
“The use of language or display of gestures, symbols, signs, or imagery that would reasonably be considered threatening, obscene, pornographic, or discriminatory in nature, including on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, ability, and/or sexual orientation.”
Additionally, Union Omaha’s policy on “Banners and Signs” says that “Fans are allowed to bring small banners and signs as long as they are not offensive and do not obstruct the view of other fans.” The team’s published Fan Code of Conduct does not specifically address flags nor expand further on the topic outside of USL’s guidance.
The flag has become a point of contention since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, but seemingly more so within the United Soccer League over the past few days.
On Saturday morning, the Northern Guard Supporters (@NGSDetroit) released a statement reporting that Detroit City FC had “agreed to comply with CBS’ request to censor supporters ahead of today’s nationally televised game.” This included the “additional restriction on displaying nation or country flags not related to the host country, the playing teams, or the players’ home countries during the broadcasted match”.
Northern Guard also cited the exposure that USL gives to the DCFC supporters as “the greatest atmosphere in U.S. Soccer,” something that is on display as DCFC were one of two teams (with Oakland Roots) chosen to feature home matches on CBS proper and one of three teams hosting twice on the CBS broadcast family (with Sacramento Republic and Colorado Switchbacks). The group found that “This move is particularly disheartening as it diminishes the opportunity for supporters to showcase the true essence of our unwavering support for the Club we love.”
An e-mail has been sent to the USL Headquarters requesting comment, but no response has been received at this time.
It remains to be seen how the leagues and clubs will address such forms of protest going forward. What is certain is that this is not an issue that can be expected to go away lightly.
Who Gives A Hoot? 