TFC turfs Inebriatti supporters group following fiery display
Toronto FC has turfed one of its supporters groups after an investigation into a fiery display by fans at a Canadian Championship soccer game in Ottawa.
Flares and smoke bombs led to small fires in the stands and the pitch at TD Place in the July 18 match, with a cannonlike blast heard several blocks away from the stadium.
The so-called Inebriatti supporters’ group eventually took responsibility, saying the incidents — while not acceptable — were “unplanned and accidental.” The MLS club said an investigation by the club and Ottawa police confirmed that Inebriatti members had been involved.
“The incident consisted of a co-ordinated group of fans discharging prohibited pyrotechnic devices in the stands which created a significant risk to the safety of fans, venue staff and players, damaged the stadium property, and disrupted the match,” TFC said in a statement.
As a result, the team has imposed “immediate and permanent termination” of Inebriatti’s status as an official supporters group and refunded all tickets associated with the group.
Inebriatti members will be prohibited from entering the south end and supporters section of BMO Field until they have completed the online MLS Fan Conduct Education Class at their own expense.
The club said several individuals have also been banned from BMO Field and MLSE-owned properties indefinitely. The ban includes members of Inebriatti and nonmembers.
An Ottawa Police spokesperson said the TD Place incident is still under investigation.
A Toronto FC spokesperson, meanwhile, said he could not provide specific numbers on the ousted Inebriatti or how many people had been banned.
There was no immediate response on Inebriatti’s social media channels.
In the wake of the Ottawa incident, Toronto also suspended supporter privileges for the USector and Original 109, meaning they could not bring in flags, drums or other paraphernalia. Both have since been reinstated.
It has been business as usual for the Red Patch Boys, Kings in the North and Tribal Rhythm Nation.
On their website, the Inebriatti describe themselves as “dedicated Toronto FC supporters and fans of the game of football.”
“We are not a fan club. We will be in the stands through the good times and the bad. We will celebrate every goal, though not be afraid to say when we are disappointed. We welcome members from all sections of BMO field and all backgrounds of life. We are all the same in Section 114.”
The Inebriatti, one of the supporters groups in the south end of BMO Field, have been in hot water before. In 2016, other supporters groups joined forces in going silent during a home game against Orlando to protest sanctions against the Inebriatti after an obscene banner was raised in its section during a loss to visiting Montreal.
TFC called the banner “an embarrassment” to the club and its supporters.
The Inebriatti group was also sanctioned for misbehaviour in Montreal in the final game of the 2015 regular season after Toronto fans lit flares and damaged Saputo Stadium.