Fans dressing like the coach isn’t something you see very often. Players? Sure. The coach? Not so much.
But that’s exactly what’s happening in Portland, ME.
It started in April 2025. The soccer community was feeling the effects of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after Maine Legends FC defender Malunda “Tchikano” Destino was detained.
The Dirigo Union, the Portland Hearts of Pines’ supporters’ group, responded by issuing an online statement and making their voices heard on game day.
Head coach Bobby Murphy offered a message of his own, wearing a sweatshirt that simply read, “Neat.” It was his way of transmitting a subtle, personal message. Neat, as in no ICE.
“I can affect the world in my own little way, and if I choose to do that, we go from there,” Murphy said in an interview conducted on March 5. “There's a Henry Rollins quote that talks about when times get like this, don't get despondent. This is what Joe Strummer prepared you for. This is punk rock time, you know what I mean?”
Murphy, whose great-great-grandmother came to the United States from Lithuania on a tourist visa and chose to stay, has forged a core belief: “People deserve to be treated with humanity and respect.”
It’s something that guides him to bring pizza to supporters at watch parties, to express appreciation to the workers putting up signage on game days, and to remain grateful for everything he encounters. Murphy has been spotted at rallies, which elicited shock from some locals.
“I am one of the people, so why wouldn't I be here?” Murphy reflected.
He views these as simple, individual actions, explaining, “I don’t want to soapbox it. I have to remember that I’m just another bozo on the bus, as they say.”
But many Hearts fans value what he’s done. In fact, several supporters began to wear their own versions of “Neat” apparel, especially as ICE activity increased nationwide.
With his attention naturally split among the plethora of activities at Fitzpatrick Stadium, season ticket holder and supporters group member Geoffroy Noonan admits it took some time for him to understand Murphy’s sweatshirt. Once he did, the self-professed lover of dad jokes was on board.
“Having Bobby associated with it made it clear this was a winning message, and one that could be used as not only an ‘anti' slogan, but a broader message of inclusion: This is a safe space, you are welcome here,” Noonan said. “Knowing Bobby was an advocate for this message was inspiring and motivating.”
Another Hearts supporter, who asked to remain anonymous, stated that he had friends who were taken by ICE, which led him to be fearful of going outside.
The supportive actions throughout Portland made him feel better, and he wasn’t surprised that Murphy was among those looking to help.
“I have spoken with Bobby after the games, and he is the type of person who is very caring,” he said. “He is a positive influence, always questioning if we’re doing well in school and if we’re keeping our grades up.”
Seeing an opportunity to do good, which is fully in line with the club’s motto of “Lead With Your Heart,” a group affectionately known as the Neat Brigade investigated what it would take to produce sweatshirts by a company that champions unionized labor. They found that in Ben Waxman’s American Roots.
The first batch of 70 sweatshirts was a hit, prompting another run. This one is particularly unique because the period has been replaced by a heart as an ode to the club, though the project is completely independent.
All proceeds go to Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition. The Neat Brigade recently dropped off a $1,300 check.
Murphy smirked when asked what it’s like to see fans dress like him. He then professed, “It’s really humbling.”
The Texas native, who has coached throughout the United States, feels grateful to have landed in a spot that shares many of his beliefs.
“I think this community really represents the best of who we as a nation aspire to be,” Murphy said. “ This is still a place where you can come with nothing, and there’s infrastructure, and there’s support, and there’s a chance for you to build a better life for yourself and your family.”
He later added, “I’m lucky that I found the right community for me.”
