I kind of felt that before long this would happen. But the league issued this release earlier today regarding a probation of streamers and other thrown objects during the run of play in a game.
Some will blame Toronto fans, and others will point out the Columbus incident for this.
NEW YORK — Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber issued the following statement today regarding the Columbus at the Crew versus Revolution game on May 24.
“MLS has conducted an investigation into events occurring at the game between the Columbus Crew and the New England Revolution on May 24th at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. During that game, objects were thrown onto the field by spectators on a number of occasions, in some cases striking players on the field of play. A number of fans were ejected by security staff as a result of these actions.
As a consequence of this review, MLS and its teams will take the following steps:
1. MLS and its clubs will undertake a comprehensive review of security measures in each MLS facility to ensure that sufficient measures are taken to prevent fans from throwing objects from the stands at players or officials on the field. Additionally, MLS teams and stadiums will fully communicate to all fans attending MLS games the League’s policy that spectators in breach will be ejected and prohibited from attending future games.
2. MLS has reviewed the increasingly coordinated use of streamers at some MLS stadiums to affect play, particularly as a distraction to visiting players as they attempt to take corner kicks. MLS teams will communicate to their supporter groups MLS’s existing policy – that streamers are not to be used to impact on-field competition or thrown toward a player, referee or stadium staff member. While the spontaneous use of streamers and confetti as an expression of fan enthusiasm will not be prohibited, the continued practice will be kept under review. Should issues continue regarding the use of streamers, MLS will have no option but to prohibit streamers.”
Honestly, again, this was going to come sooner rather than later from the league. Enough people were putting pressure on the league about this subject and then the Columbus incident sort of put this over the top in the minds of some in the league’s front office.
While part of it sucks and will take away from the fun that some have in throwing streamers during the game, I still think this is a small step that had to be taken to insure the safety of those on the field. Believe me streamers don’t hurt but something small always tends to roll into something bigger over time. Stopping the bleeding before it gets really bad is what the league had to do here.
Word has it that some in Toronto aren’t too keen on this news. Its apart of what they do up there but I’m sure they will find ways around it and still throw streamers at the game, just not during it.
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