I decided to wait a while before I dived into this subject here this season. It kind of took one event in Columbus to get me really out on to the field about it. Racist comments and bottles thrown on to the field after New England scored a late goal against Columbus got some people a bit riled up over the past couple of days.

While some of my opinions you may not agree with, that is fine. I view this in two parts, the racism issue and the just overall crazed fans that throw items and what not at games. Some how both are considered by some as acts of “hooliganism” here. I think the first is easily the biggest of the problems that will have to be worked on first. The second will get worked out after the first as it isn’t really as big of an issue as people think.

I will give you my general feelings on this so-called “hooliganism” in Major League Soccer. This version of “hooliganism” is here and going on whether we really like it or not, though its nothing like real hooliganism in Europe. Every town has a few bad apples and its unfortunate that it happens like that but we can’t let those bad apples spoil the fun for everyone else.

The racist comments yelled at players may be the biggest concern here. FIFA and leagues around the world have gone out of their way to eliminate racism in soccer. And for a good reason too. Its unfortunate to see videos like the one below and hear such things. But I have faith the league, the clubs, the players, and the fans will police this stuff better after hearing these things.

(warning, offensive language!)

That is the biggest of problems and maybe worries here but everything else is a little over blown in my opinion. EDIT: MLS Commissioner Don Garber has just issued a statement regarding the issue in Columbus…saying “We are investigating reports of incidents from the May 24 match between the Columbus Crew and New England Revolution and will take appropriate action based on our findings.” Continue Reading…