Since the passage and action on MLS’ controversial new rules on displays deemed “political”, a lot has been said in relation to the Iron Front symbol. A critical question lost in the midst has been who MLS wants in its stands and whether it is being explicit about it. Do we want white supremacists in our stadiums if they’re keeping their beliefs to themselves? I believe the answer to that question is no. They pose a security risk within games and in a larger sense, threaten the community the game serves.
The 2014 NASL semi-final between Minnesota United and the Fort Lauderdale sticks in my mind for mostly unhappy reasons, but it’s also the first time I encountered the Iron Front symbol.