Comments on: The Daily Sweeper (July 23)

By: Max

Max — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:16:21 +0000

With all due respect, Dougie, and I do mean all do respect, these incidents are nothing more than small altercations which are commonplace in American sports. Just because it’s football doesn’t mean it’s hooliganism, especially if it’s just 10 individuals getting into a pushing match.

By: dougie brimson

dougie brimson — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:07:25 +0000

I take no pleasure in this but I have to say I told you so………

To say that I am disappointed with events in the MLS is an understatement primarily because they were so predictable. However, I agree with you that there needs to be some kind of standard practice established which both FO’s and fans would have to adhere to.

I’m not claiming to have all the answers but I’d certainly welcome the opportunity to be involved in anything which helped develop this and indeed, would be happy to work with the MLS on the whole issue of supporter security.

Sadly, I’m not expecting the phone to ring any time soon. At least not until it’s too late.

By: Tom Dunmore

Tom Dunmore — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:31:27 +0000

I agree entirely, Binks. Section 8 got that same treatment in New York this season (at our request) and it is the safest I’ve felt as an away supporter in MLS. That needs to be standard practice indeed.

By: Binks

Binks — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:52:05 +0000

“So that fight in Columbus we just can’t hear enough about. . .Was really lame, as the video shows. In some ways it’s good that the issue of security in MLS has come up again — clubs need to hire more professional staff who understand the sport — but this whole Hudson Street Hooligans versus West Ham ICF is being blown way out of proportion when a Guardian writer is asking if “hooliganism has finally arrived in MLS” based on this. Much worse incidents have taken place in MLS with barely any press (perhaps thankfully). ”

I agree with you on previous events definitely overshadowing this nonsense as something to pay attention to, but MLS is sucking wind when it comes to addressing the specifics of security when it comes to this sport.

With all of these agreements between the MLS, The FA, Bundesliga, and god knows how many clubs around the world now, one would think that their knowledge of security would be utilized sooner, rather than after someone gets hurt or killed.

I do enjoy the safety of being an American and going to games without having to worry about the random missle or first being thrown at my head. I’m not naive enough to think we will maintain that with the decline of the dollar and rising umemployment.

With that said, after the 2006 home opener between DC United and Red Bull New York, Garber and MLS did address the rivalry between New York and DC by putting a security detail around away supporters when entering and exiting RFK and Giants Stadium as well as putting them on an already vacant upper level. This has proven useful as explosives (fireworks) and projectiles have been thrown at away support since then.

While this has been very wise, it should be common practice not the exception.