Supporters want their voices to be heard

Fans speak out after TFC suspends privileges for recognized groups

VANCOUVER— 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, prompting an investigation by Ottawa police. Canada Soccer’s disciplinary committee also is following up.

Mark Goudie, CEO of the Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group, which owns the United Soccer League club, expressed his displeasure with the incident on Twitter.

“To the small Toronto group who lit our stadium on fire and put our guests at risk … I’m sorry that you are unhappy with how your lives are turning out and the embarrassment you bring to your club and city. You aren’t supporters. I hope you can pull your personal crap together,” he posted.

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. An unofficial 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.

The message also questioned whether every group should face the same repercussions.

“Hold the individuals ... to account. Don’t punish anyone else,” it said.