The fans of the XFL’s DC Defenders may be one of the most raucous crowds in North American pro sports. Sunday, the Defenders played their second home game of the 2023 regular season against the St. Louis Battlehawks. The Defenders fans put on a show much like Week 1.
This week their traditional beer snake was permitted. The team issued a code of conduct for the beer snake. Those fans took full advantage. They created a snake that consisted of an estimated 1,200 cups.
The Defenders fans maintained another tradition, tossing lemons on the field. Officials momentarily halted the game, and some fans got ejected while others chanted, “We want lemons!”
But the highlight of the fans’ afternoon may have been their unflattering and NSFW chant toward the owner of the NFL’s Washington Commanders, Daniel Snyder.
Snyder has been unpopular among DC football fans for quite some time. The numerous off-the-field drama and the lack of on-field success contributed to Snyder falling out of favor with fans.
Fans are hoping that his days as the Commanders’ owner are ending with reports of a potential sale. The waning interest in the Commanders has led to the excitement of the Defenders. The experience at Audi Field seems more enjoyable than trips to FedEx Field to watch the Commanders.
Sunday’s chant was just about the overall fan experience at a Defenders’ game as much as the fans’ displeasure for Snyder.
Meanwhile, a scuffle broke out in the final moments of the game. Two Defenders players and one Battlehawks player got ejected.
The Defenders jumped out to a 14-0 lead and held on for a 34-28 win. DC improved to a perfect 3-0 record with the win.
