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The Seattle Sounders hosted a FIFA match featuring antisemitic activism from the supporters groups the club prioritizes over the greater fan base.

At Monday’s unsuccessful Club World Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain, the supporters’ section at Lumen Field was once again awash in Palestinian flags. These flags have become a symbol of antisemitism; a rebuke of a country fighting a terrorist group, Hamas. When activists wave Palestinian flags, they’re taking a “Free Palestine!” position, believing Israel is on “stolen” Palestinian land. That they engaged in this behavior right after the United States struck Iran’s nuclear sites is revealing.

This wasn’t about cheering on their team, and the display had nothing to do with professional soccer or the Sounders. It was a typical brazen, defiant, radical political statement by groups who have long operated outside the bounds of reasonable fan conduct, without any meaningful consequence. There won’t be this time, either.

These aren’t your typical passionate fans, either. They’re radical, far-left groups, many of whom as Antifa. They consistently flout stadium rules, using the Sounders鈥� need for “fan engagement” as leverage. It鈥檚 an arrangement that allows them to push a divisive agenda, alienating many potential fans and undermining the very sport they claim to support. This isn’t inclusivity; it’s virtue signaling that only serves to highlight their own narrow, ideological echo chamber.

Too many fans are the absolute worst.

And the club rarely says a thing or offers any meaningful consequences. They wouldn鈥檛 want to upset the supporter groups, even if their radical politics reminds people that the club is anything but inclusive.

鈥� Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz)

Sounders FC’s embrace of antisemitism is hardly new

Monday’s display of Palestinian flags, which violates stadium rules, is part of a pattern, not an anomaly.

The club鈥檚 updated code of conduct “flags of Israel or Palestine,” yet these groups routinely ignore it. And what does the club do? Virtually nothing. Sometimes they get a “stern talking to,” the bare minimum so that the club can say they did something if they’re ever pressed. Of course, local left-wing media almost never presses them.

In this case, because it’s a FIFA event, the front office can conveniently sidestep this issue. It’s not technically their event, so FIFA can take a stance if it wants. Something tells me that if the supporters group held up messaging the club felt was sufficiently offensive enough, they wouldn’t stay quiet.

The front office clings to that silence, hoping to avoid public scrutiny and sidestep media questions that might force them to confront the radical fringe they’ve emboldened. Why? Because the Sounders, as evidenced by declining attendance figures, feel like they must placate a hardcore base that cares more about political posturing than wins.

And what came of the Sounders’ tepid condemnation of antisemitic team minority owner Macklemore, exactly?

Seattle Sounders fans put on a big show of solidarity with Palestine during their FIFA Club World Cup game against PSG. Photos by Juan Mabromata and Buda Mendes.

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Embracing fringe politics stifles Sounders growth

When I was part of the broadcast team for the Sounders, there was talk of filling Lumen Field as if it were a Seahawks game. But rather than grow the team, the front desk leaned into political positions and placated the most radical fans. They’ve suffered as a consequence.

The Sounders’ attendance has been declining, dropping from peaks in the 40,000s in the to an average of 30,754 . The team is actively trying to “rebuild their fan base,” even launching a “First Match On Us” promotion to bring in new attendees. This isn’t the sign of a thriving, growing franchise; it’s the sign of a team grasping at straws, all while allowing a vocal, radical minority to define its public image.

Want to grow attendance and exploit World Cup interest? It should stop embracing radical political views. As the front office is finding out, there’s not an appetite to attend a political rally filled with antisemites and socialists at Lumen Field.

I can鈥檛 watch them anymore. Used to be a big fan too.

鈥� Pilgrims (@pilgramsandnuts)

Sounders at a crossroads

This team isn鈥檛 what it once was, both on and off the field. The close-minded, radical shift extends beyond the stands.

Players, too, are expected to tow the line. As I reported previously, players with differing political opinions have found themselves benched and even traded. There鈥檚 a chilling uniformity of thought demanded by this radical element that stifles genuine expression. Past players and staff have privately expressed frustration with “The Jason Rantz Show” on KTTH.

The Sounders are at a crossroads. Do they continue to capitulate to a radical few, sacrificing their broad appeal and long-term viability, leading to closed-off sections of the stadium to seem less empty on broadcasts? Or do they finally enforce their own rules, prioritize the game, and remember that professional sports are meant to unite, not divide? The Sounders are a victim of their own politically charged priorities and cowardice when faced with their antisemitic extremist supporters.

They are why I stopped attending games. I take my kids to sporting events. Not political rallies disguised as sports 鈿斤笍

鈥� Brian Williams (@blazerbrian1)

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