MLS supporter groups need to keep things safe after Toronto fans get unruly by lighting fires

VANCOUVER (CP) — They march to the stadium in packs, clad in scarves and jerseys. They chant anthems and bang drums. They stand through entire games, cheering until hoarse. They’re soccer fans, after all.

Players on Canada’s three MLS teams say their supporter groups are key to their success. But sometimes the most loyal fans can cause problems.

Fires briefly burned in the stands during a Canadian Championship game between Toronto FC and the Ottawa Fury on Wednesday at TD Place.

Toronto FC responded to the incident by indefinitely suspending privileges for recognized supporter groups. The team says it will review its supporter program.

All of the Canadian MLS teams have multiple official supporter groups, made up of fans who sit in dedicated sections and get special privileges, ranging from recognition to special stadium access.

Toronto’s move to pause their groups has been met with criticism from soccer fans across the country.

The Montreal Impact’s main supporter group, the Ultras, said in a statement that the incident in Ottawa was embarrassing, but the suspension is outrageous. A Vancouver Whitecaps supporter group took to social media to speak out against the suspension.

“It’s not our club, so take this with a grain of salt... But this is a ridiculous decision by #TFC,” Vancouver Armada tweeted Thursday. “Hold the individuals ... to account. Don’t punish anyone else,” the Armada also said.

Whitecaps striker Kei Kamara describes his team’s loyal support groups as “the 12th man.”

Their cheers and chants give those on the field a much-needed extra boost, Kamara said.

“It’s the most important player in soccer,” he said. “So every bit of noise we get from our supporters, we love it.”