TFC: Inebriatti slam ‘collective punishment’ for flares as unfair

Inebriatti, the supporters’ group turfed by Toronto FC for a fiery display at a Canadian Championship game in Ottawa, says punishing the many for actions by a few is unfair.

The group has accepted responsibility for the fireworks, which caused small fires in the stands and the pitch at the July 18 match.

On Friday, the group reacted to the wide-ranging TFC sanctions.

“We took responsibility for the events because our members brought the flares and the other groups should not have been punished for the actions of one group of individuals,” Inebriatti said in a statement. “One person was responsible for the flare on the pitch and only a very small portion of our members travelled for the game.

“We co-operated fully with the (TFC) front office throughout the entire investigation and the individual has since come forward, presented himself to police and has been removed as a member. The incident remains under investigation by Ottawa police.

“During this time Inebriatti reexamined our behaviour. The leadership came to the conclusion we needed to restructure and focus our efforts in a less obnoxious fashion. Our commitment to this change was communicated to TFC.

“(On Thursday), TFC handed out collective punishment on a large group for the actions of an individual. We completely disagree with this approach. Collective punishment is not acceptable for the actions of one or a few members of a group.”

Inebriatti members are 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.

A source said five people had been handed lifetime bans with another three given indefinite suspensions with the chance of reinstatement.