A rowdy group of apparent Torontonians are being slammed today for conduct most unbecoming of soccer fans (at least in Canada) during last night's MLS game in our nation's capital.
Ottawa Fury FC has confirmed that "TFC supporters" set off fireworks and flares at Ottawa's TD Place Stadium on June 18. One of said supporters even went so far as to throw a flare on the field mid-game, sparking panic and fury all over the venue.
Why everyone hates Toronto. pic.twitter.com/D1nJ5qLT7o
— apt613 (@apt613) July 19, 2018
"Upon seeing smoke and fire, which appeared to be more serious than they were, fans in other parts of the stadium notified Ottawa Police and Ottawa Fire," wrote the football club in a statement late Wednesday, noting that emergency services were quick to respond.
"TFC has apologized for the behaviour of the members of the supports group responsible for igniting the fireworks."
Toronto FC fans start fire in stands at tonight's game. @torontofc pic.twitter.com/pGfK3t05db
— Jon Hansen (@piblogger1) July 19, 2018
Those responsible for the incident were sitting in a section of the stadium normally used by away fans when they ignited the explosives.
The fireworks are said to have "flared and boomed for a short time" before security guards arrived to extinguish the blaze. Members of the group were then immediately escorted out of the stadium.
Thanks to @martyn_bailey for sending across this video that was passed on to him by another fan at the stadium. That's a pretty scary bang. #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/nUjFOl0LAJ
— Oliver Platt (@plattoli) July 19, 2018
Fortunately, nobody was hurt on account of their actions. Not physically, anyway.
Ottawa Police have launched an investigation looking into how these people managed to smuggle fireworks into the Canadian Championship semi-final match, as all were subjected to bag checks and security scans before entering the stadium.
Toronto FC fans starting fires... #CANCHAMP pic.twitter.com/1JeqQep3zr
— Kathryn Jean (@msconduct) July 19, 2018
TD Place itself says it will be stepping up security to prevent such incidents in the future.
Toronto ended up winning the game 1-0, but this particular faction of fans lost any respect they may have had left (which wasn't a lot, judging by how other fans both at home and away have described their antics.)
Toronto FC really has to fix this problem. They have been allowing these Antifa Id1ots to be their fans behind the net in BMO Field. They need to ban people from wearing masks in public everywhere! People wearing masks in public don’t have a good motive. https://t.co/BQLGt0FMrp
— Mohammad Gul (محمد گل) (@MohammadGul7) July 19, 2018
by Lauren O'Neil via blogTO
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