LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – Louisville City FC shut out the Tampa Bay Rowdies for their second win of the season but it’s what was happening in the supporter section that has fans fired up.
Twitter began lighting up during the game with reports of Metro Police officers and Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies threatening to cite fans wearing masks or face paint.
It's all based on a Jefferson County ordinance that prohibits anyone from wearing a mask in a public place that conceals their identity.
WHAS11 News spoke to the President Tom Farmer of "The Coopers," a supporter group of Louisville City FC this evening.
Farmer says it's unfortunate that Saturday's victory was marred by overly strict enforcement of an ordinance targeted at legitimate crime.
"Louisville City supporters have a robust culture which includes the wearing of masks, face paint, and other adornments and we have expressed our culture responsibly and safely for three years. We are confident that ESG security and Metro law enforcement will quickly come to an understanding so that we can continue to express ourselves in the way to which Louisville City supporters have become accustomed."
Farmer told WHAS11 News no citations were given but some were asked to leave if they did not remove their masks.
WHAS11 News reached out to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
A spokesperson says they are unaware of any of their deputies involved, but he says they could have been off-duty working as security for the game.
WHAS11 also spoke with Metro Council President David James to see why, after three years, this ordinance is now being enforced.
He believes it's an issue between Louisville City FC and the private company hired to contract officers for security.
"I need to really look at that ordinance and study the history of what that ordinance was when it was created but the officers have discretion. There's nothing in the ordinance that says they have to do something," he said. "You know we have great, great Lou City fans. Metro Council supports Lou City. I support Lou City and we should all wear our scarves and masks and face paint and have a great time."
James says he talked with Louisville City FC Sunday and he believes the issue will be resolved before the next match.