Fan groups in silent protest with Reds’ brass

As Toronto FC vied to take sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference Wednesday night, BMO Field’s usually boisterous Southend Supporters section was noticeably hushed.

The lack of noise wasn’t because the Reds could only manage a dull 0-0 tie against Orlando City SC.

The silence stemmed from supporter group Inebriatti. In recent weeks, it has silently protested a clause in the club’s code of conduct it believes leaves fan groups exposed to sanctions from TFC for incidents they can’t control.

The silence was deafening Wednesday because for the first time other groups, including Kings in the North and U-Sector, joined in for the 65-minute protest.

The friction between Inebriatti and the club began at the end of August, when two fans sitting in the supporter group’s section, 114, raised a banner showing a sexually explicit image during the team’s 1-0 loss to rivals Montreal.

Toronto FC has since levied sanctions against the two gentlemen, whose identities it is keeping private, president Bill Manning told the Star Thursday.

Inebriatti has denied its members were involved in the incident. On Thursday, the group said it does not comment on matters the club handles privately.

The club is now asking Inebriatti to sign a document saying it has read and agrees to abide by TFC’s code of conduct or risk other sanctions.

That code includes a clause which says the club can deem a supporters group responsible for an incident if the act occurs in their seating area and no individual or group is identified as responsible.

The main concern, the supporters’ groups argue, is that they cannot be responsible for every individual who chooses to stand in the south end.

“We cannot police the section, that’s the job of security. It’s what they are employed to do and paid for. We have no authority, power or desire to do so,” a spokesperson for the supporters group U-Sector told the Star via email.

In a written statement, Inebratti said it feels it is their duty to protect itself, the other groups and the supporters’ culture in Toronto.

“We regret that our actions have affected the game day for fans and the players, especially at such a critical and momentous time like this. We love the team and are proud of the great job they have done and continue to do,” it read.

Manning told the Star he believes the issue between Inebriatti and the club rests in language. Supporters groups, he said, are not responsible for the section as a whole, just the seats members occupy.

Coach Greg Vanney said the difference in noise level is felt by his team.

“When you play at home, you want to have that energy behind you.”

The co-founder of Kings in the North, David Pinto, whose group has not yet decided whether it will continue with the protest at Saturday’s game versus DC United, said it was equally unpleasant for the fans.

“It’s painful to go to games and stand there and actively choose not to support players on the pitch because of things that are going on behind the scenes.

“It’s just something we had to do.”