Lewd sign waved at TFC game an 'embarrassment': Spokeman
By Kurt Larson, Toronto Sun
First posted: Sunday, August 28, 2016 08:41 PM EDT | Updated: Sunday, August 28, 2016 10:29 PM EDT
This isn’t going to go down well — especially after Toronto FC blew a massive opportunity this weekend.
Toronto FC’s southend supporters unveiled an impressive banner display ahead of Saturday night’s Rivalry Week match against visiting Montreal. It was clean. It was fun. It was tasteful.
Then someone in their section — allegedly belonging to the Inebriatti supporters group — went off-script, brandishing a banner depicting a sex act.
The X-rated display set social media ablaze.
PHOTO: CLICK HERE TO SEE 'SEXIST' SIGN
The cartoon drawing portrayed a boozing Toronto FC fan receiving oral sex from a woman wearing a blue — the Montreal Impact’s predominant colour — thong. The banner also read “Montreal sucks.”
A TFC fan in the vicinity of the banner told the Toronto Sun that BMO Field security either ignored or didn’t see the indecent artwork, which was displayed throughout much of TFC’s 1-0 loss.
“(The league) and Toronto FC are better than this,” Toronto FC supporter Sonja Missio, who sits nearby in section 113, told the Sun. “The vast majority of fans are better than this.
“I’m happy to sit down with anyone who doesn't get why this is problematic if they want a lesson in 21st century fan culture.”
Signage is only allowed during TFC matches if it is “event related” and in “good taste.” Displays also can’t be “offensive in any nature,” according to BMO Field policy. An investigation is underway.
"Toronto FC is proud to have one of the best fan bases and stadium environments in our sport," a club spokesperson told the Sun on Sunday. "Our fans show tremendous support for the club while demonstrating proper respect for our opponents and their fans.
"Last night, however, a sign was displayed in the stands that was insulting to many including our opponent, the City of Montreal and their fans. It was an embarrassment to our club and to our supporters and will not be tolerated.
"We sincerely apologize to the Montreal Impact, the City of Montreal and all fans for this disgraceful act. We are currently investigating through all available security and social media footage and strongly encourage fans with any information to assist us in identifying those involved so that they can be held responsible."
Members of the Inebriatti supporters group were banned from organizing during the first four games of this season following a disturbance in Montreal’s Saputo at the end of last season.
Earlier Sunday, Toronto FC’s official Twitter account tweeted regret over the banner, saying it was “not OK by any means” and that the club was looking into the situation.
Of course, TFC fans are no stranger to controversy.
Last season, a group of fans received a one-year ban from entering BMO Field following a FHRITP incident involving CityNews reporter Shauna Hunt.
The Toronto Sun reached out to Major League Soccer Sunday but did not immediately receive comment.
TAKE A BREATH
Naturally, Toronto FC fans are still steaming following Saturday night’s stunning loss to 10-man Montreal.
And they should be. The Reds should never lose in the fashion they did — especially against a rival in front of a sellout crowd at BMO Field. They blew it.
Furthermore, the lone goal demonstrated one of the lingering deficiencies in Toronto FC’s game: The Reds relax far too much defensively when they’re seemingly in control. They take plays off.
Looking back at Ignacio Piatti’s game-winning tally, second-half substitute Tsubasa Endoh should have tracked back when he saw Piatti in position to attack the space vacated by fullback Steven Beitashour.
Either that, or Endoh needed to alert his teammate — though Beitashour probably should have sniffed out the danger — that Montreal’s Designated Player looked eager to exploit the massive gap that opened between TFC’s defence and midfield.
Sure, Eriq Zavaleta could have won the original header from Evan Bush’s goal kick, but there shouldn’t have been that much space afforded to the most dangerous man on the pitch. The Reds can’t switch off defensively when they go in search of a win.
GIOVINCO CONCERN
Toronto FC’s leading goal-scorer exited Saturday’s match with an apparent groin injury, the seriousness of which is not yet known.
Giovinco was scheduled to have a scan performed Sunday afternoon. Toronto FC bench boss Greg Vanney told reporters post-game that, although Giovinco had felt a bit of discomfort during the game, the Italian indicated he felt OK after halftime.
Minutes later, Giovinco asked to be substituted. The Reds don’t play again until Sept. 10 in Chicago.
We’ll know Monday if Toronto’s leading man will return in time for that fixture.
LAST WORD
For Toronto FC supporters, it’s important to balance the disappointment of Saturday night’s derby loss with the realization that your team entered this week’s international break having won six of eight games after remaining unbeaten in seven.
The Reds still are very much in control of their fate in the Eastern Conference — especially when you consider they’ll play five of their final six games at BMO Field. They’ll get another crack at Montreal in what could be an even bigger occasion on Oct. 16.
Lewd sign waved at TFC game an 'embarrassment': Spokeman | MLS | Toronto FC | Sp
By Kurt Larson, Toronto Sun
First posted: Sunday, August 28, 2016 08:41 PM EDT | Updated: Sunday, August 28, 2016 10:29 PM EDT
This isn’t going to go down well — especially after Toronto FC blew a massive opportunity this weekend.
Toronto FC’s southend supporters unveiled an impressive banner display ahead of Saturday night’s Rivalry Week match against visiting Montreal. It was clean. It was fun. It was tasteful.
Then someone in their section — allegedly belonging to the Inebriatti supporters group — went off-script, brandishing a banner depicting a sex act.
The X-rated display set social media ablaze.
PHOTO: CLICK HERE TO SEE 'SEXIST' SIGN
The cartoon drawing portrayed a boozing Toronto FC fan receiving oral sex from a woman wearing a blue — the Montreal Impact’s predominant colour — thong. The banner also read “Montreal sucks.”
A TFC fan in the vicinity of the banner told the Toronto Sun that BMO Field security either ignored or didn’t see the indecent artwork, which was displayed throughout much of TFC’s 1-0 loss.
“(The league) and Toronto FC are better than this,” Toronto FC supporter Sonja Missio, who sits nearby in section 113, told the Sun. “The vast majority of fans are better than this.
“I’m happy to sit down with anyone who doesn't get why this is problematic if they want a lesson in 21st century fan culture.”
Signage is only allowed during TFC matches if it is “event related” and in “good taste.” Displays also can’t be “offensive in any nature,” according to BMO Field policy. An investigation is underway.
"Toronto FC is proud to have one of the best fan bases and stadium environments in our sport," a club spokesperson told the Sun on Sunday. "Our fans show tremendous support for the club while demonstrating proper respect for our opponents and their fans.
"Last night, however, a sign was displayed in the stands that was insulting to many including our opponent, the City of Montreal and their fans. It was an embarrassment to our club and to our supporters and will not be tolerated.
"We sincerely apologize to the Montreal Impact, the City of Montreal and all fans for this disgraceful act. We are currently investigating through all available security and social media footage and strongly encourage fans with any information to assist us in identifying those involved so that they can be held responsible."
Members of the Inebriatti supporters group were banned from organizing during the first four games of this season following a disturbance in Montreal’s Saputo at the end of last season.
Earlier Sunday, Toronto FC’s official Twitter account tweeted regret over the banner, saying it was “not OK by any means” and that the club was looking into the situation.
Of course, TFC fans are no stranger to controversy.
Last season, a group of fans received a one-year ban from entering BMO Field following a FHRITP incident involving CityNews reporter Shauna Hunt.
The Toronto Sun reached out to Major League Soccer Sunday but did not immediately receive comment.
TAKE A BREATH
Naturally, Toronto FC fans are still steaming following Saturday night’s stunning loss to 10-man Montreal.
And they should be. The Reds should never lose in the fashion they did — especially against a rival in front of a sellout crowd at BMO Field. They blew it.
Furthermore, the lone goal demonstrated one of the lingering deficiencies in Toronto FC’s game: The Reds relax far too much defensively when they’re seemingly in control. They take plays off.
Looking back at Ignacio Piatti’s game-winning tally, second-half substitute Tsubasa Endoh should have tracked back when he saw Piatti in position to attack the space vacated by fullback Steven Beitashour.
Either that, or Endoh needed to alert his teammate — though Beitashour probably should have sniffed out the danger — that Montreal’s Designated Player looked eager to exploit the massive gap that opened between TFC’s defence and midfield.
Sure, Eriq Zavaleta could have won the original header from Evan Bush’s goal kick, but there shouldn’t have been that much space afforded to the most dangerous man on the pitch. The Reds can’t switch off defensively when they go in search of a win.
GIOVINCO CONCERN
Toronto FC’s leading goal-scorer exited Saturday’s match with an apparent groin injury, the seriousness of which is not yet known.
Giovinco was scheduled to have a scan performed Sunday afternoon. Toronto FC bench boss Greg Vanney told reporters post-game that, although Giovinco had felt a bit of discomfort during the game, the Italian indicated he felt OK after halftime.
Minutes later, Giovinco asked to be substituted. The Reds don’t play again until Sept. 10 in Chicago.
We’ll know Monday if Toronto’s leading man will return in time for that fixture.
LAST WORD
For Toronto FC supporters, it’s important to balance the disappointment of Saturday night’s derby loss with the realization that your team entered this week’s international break having won six of eight games after remaining unbeaten in seven.
The Reds still are very much in control of their fate in the Eastern Conference — especially when you consider they’ll play five of their final six games at BMO Field. They’ll get another crack at Montreal in what could be an even bigger occasion on Oct. 16.
Lewd sign waved at TFC game an 'embarrassment': Spokeman | MLS | Toronto FC | Sp
