TFC SUPPORTER GROUP GETS RED CARD FOR MELEE
MLS ends Inebriatti’s official status, bans individuals indefinitely from BMO Field
Some of the hardest of the hardcore soccer fans in Toronto went too far and as a result, like Elvis, Inebriatti has left the building.
Toronto FC issued a statement Thursday saying its investigation of a July 18 incident at TD Place in Ottawa involving prohibited pyrotechnics that “created a significant risk to the safety of fans, venue staff and players” was the work of supporter group Inebriatti.
Inebriatti initially denied responsibility for the incident before later admitted to its involvement after other supporter groups were punished, saying it was “unplanned and accidental,” but adding the incident was unacceptable.
“During the subsequent Ottawa police and Toronto FC investigations of the events surrounding the incident, the involvement of Inebriatti members was confirmed,” said TFC’s statement.
As a result, the club announced permanent termination of Inebriatti’s status as an official support- er group and all associated privileges, termination and refund of all seat accounts and that members are prohibited from entering the south-end supporters section of BMO Field until they have successfully completed the MLS Fan Conduct Education Class at their own expense.
The club also said several individuals have been banned indefinitely from BMO Field and other Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment-owned properties based on their involvement.
There is little doubt the most vocal and visible supporter groups, particularly Inebriatti, have made an impact at BMO Field and have added to the revered atmosphere there when on their best behaviour. Players like Jozy Altidore have gone to bat for Inebriatti in the past on social media. The group has unveiled signs like, “Football without ultras is nothing.”
I guess now we’ll find out how much accuracy there is in that statement.
ANOTHER GAME FOR JOZY
Speaking of Altidore, his minute of madness at home against New York City FC on Aug. 12 continues to cost TFC substantially.
Toronto had to play that match a man short after Altidore got the boot for booting Alexander Callens in the leg in an early moment of frustration. The team battled hard, but sorely missed its striker in the loss. Altidore returned with a hat trick to lift TFC to another Canadian Championship, then served his automatic suspension by not going to San Jose on Saturday.
That 1-1 draw might have been different had Altidore, who has three goals in seven matches this season, been available.
Altidore, Michael Bradley and other players were upset officials had missed what they believed to be a clear foul by Callens before the incident, just like they weren’t pleased the league appeared to miss Chris Mavinga being spat upon by an Atlanta player in an earlier game. Mavinga retaliated by pushing another player to the turf and got a red card, followed by an additional ban.
The message appears to be keep your composure, no matter what, or pay the price.
TFC head coach Greg Vanney has said in recent weeks his players need to keep their heads, even if they feel like they have been provoked or victimized by a perceived bad whistle.
“We don’t have time for things that don’t matter, it’s all about points,” Vanney said after the NYCFC game.
“It’s unnecessary and all it does is undo our ability to take steps forward.”
After training Thursday, Vanney told reporters he disagreed with the Altidore decision, alluding to the fact Altidore basically missed a game to start with since his red card came in the ninth minute, while many fans were still settling into their seats.
“It’s harsh. What it essentially plays out to is three games,” Vanney said.
“We sized up a lot of different scenarios that have happened around (the league) this year and I think this is a harsh suspension. I don’t agree with it, but we will manage it and get through it.”
TFC hosts the Montreal Impact Saturday. Montreal and Toronto are in a dogfight with three other teams for the Eastern Conference’s final two playoff spots. The Impact, Toronto’s chief rival, sits nine points ahead of TFC, but has played two more games.
The two teams will also meet in Montreal before the end of the regular season.
New forward Lucas Janson, who scored in the 1-1 draw with San Jose, will likely replace Altidore again up front.