Fact Check: Angel City FC Wore 'Immigrant City Football Club' Shirts
What We Know
On September 30, 2023, Angel City FC, a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team based in Los Angeles, wore T-shirts that read "Immigrant City Football Club" before their match against the North Carolina Courage. This action was a response to recent immigration raids in Los Angeles, which had sparked protests throughout the city (AP News, The Athletic). The team distributed approximately 10,000 shirts to fans, players, and coaching staff, with the back of the shirts stating, "Los Angeles is for Everyone" in both English and Spanish (The Athletic, BBC Sport).
The initiative was part of a broader statement from the club, emphasizing the importance of immigrants to the fabric of Los Angeles and the sport of soccer itself. Angel City expressed solidarity with the immigrant community, stating, "Football does not exist without immigrants. This club does not exist without immigrants" (NBC Los Angeles, ESPN).
Analysis
The claim that Angel City FC wore shirts proclaiming themselves "Immigrant City Football Club" in response to immigration raids is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press, a reputable news organization, confirmed that the team wore these shirts during their match as a show of solidarity with the immigrant community affected by recent ICE raids (AP News).
Additionally, the distribution of the shirts and the accompanying messaging were reported by various outlets, including ESPN and BBC Sport, which noted the emotional weight of the situation and the club's commitment to supporting the community (ESPN, BBC Sport). The presence of the shirts during the match and the statements made by players and staff further corroborate the claim.
The sources used in this fact check are reliable, with established reputations in sports journalism and news reporting. They provide consistent details about the event, including the context of the immigration raids and the club's response.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. Angel City FC indeed wore shirts proclaiming themselves "Immigrant City Football Club" before their game against the North Carolina Courage on September 30, 2023, in direct response to immigration raids in Los Angeles. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the accuracy of this claim.
Sources
- NWSL's Angel City wears T-shirts reading `Immigrant City Football Club ...
- Emma Hayes giving USWNT a break. Plus: Angel City's immigration ...
- Angel City FC players wear 'Immigrant City Football Club ...
- 'Immigrant City' - Angel City respond to LA raids
- NWSL's Angel City wears `Immigrant City Football Club' T-shirts - NBC ...
- Angel City FC wear shirts supporting immigrant community
- Angel City Give Away T-Shirts in Response to U.S. ...
- Angel City FC wear shirts supporting immigrant community
