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headhoncho
04-06-2009, 04:47 PM
Afternoon Everyone

Let me start by saying that the result was not at all what we had been looking for, but I am an eternal optimist when it comes to our team, and I do believe we will bounce back with a vengence on Saturday.

On another note, the behaviour of the supporters on Saturday was very good indeed. other than the throwing of a few cups of beer on the park, during ad after the game.

I think it doesn't take a rocket scientist to determine that the overwhelming majority of our supporters come to games with one aim on mind, to watch the reds win a game of football.

But it only takes one or two people who throw things onto the park to have everyone tarred with the same brush. I sincerely encourage the atmosphere we have at BMO, but lets keep all that energy to supporting the boys and not to doing something stupid that will have a long lasting effect on all of us.

it doesn't take me long to get over a loss, especially when in five days time the boys will have the chance of redemption against Kenny Cooper and his Dallas pals.

Look forward to seeing you all again on the weekend, keep believing boys and girls.

Jack
04-06-2009, 04:52 PM
Good to see you posting here, Mike.

Things were tough on Saturday as it was a difficult match to watch and the weather certainly didn't help anyone's mood.

You'll find that on here the majority are in agreement that we don't want to see anything thrown on the pitch and that message has been sent loud and clear to all the members of Red Patch Boys.

Shakes McQueen
04-06-2009, 04:55 PM
Who is this, Jack?

- Scott

egoodwin
04-06-2009, 04:56 PM
Good to see you posting here, Mike.

Things were tough on Saturday as it was a difficult match to watch and the weather certainly didn't help anyone's mood.

You'll find that on here the majority are in agreement that we don't want to see anything thrown on the pitch and that message has been sent loud and clear to all the members of Red Patch Boys.
question about Dallas is, will we run over them like in year one at home

or will the Refs continue to fuck us over drastically like they did on the road in year one (2 penalties) and at home last year ( 2 red cards)

headhoncho
04-06-2009, 05:01 PM
Good to see you posting here, Mike.

Things were tough on Saturday as it was a difficult match to watch and the weather certainly didn't help anyone's mood.

You'll find that on here the majority are in agreement that we don't want to see anything thrown on the pitch and that message has been sent loud and clear to all the members of Red Patch Boys.

After our chat on Saturday Jack, hopefully first of many with you and the guys, i have no doubt whatsoever that these are isolated cases, I am sure together we will weed them out and make sure we, as supporters of TFC, are only known for our passion for our team and the support we give, within the lines.

Hitcho
04-06-2009, 05:02 PM
^ security team?

Jack
04-06-2009, 05:03 PM
After our chat on Saturday Jack, hopefully first of many with you and the guys, i have no doubt whatsoever that these are isolated cases, I am sure together we will weed them out and make sure we, as supporters of TFC, are only known for our passion for our team and the support we give, within the lines.

That's what it's always been about.

BTW, it's probably a good idea if you let everyone know who you are as people will wonder (like Scott did above)

Kevvv
04-06-2009, 05:06 PM
Carver!


(lol)

mighty_torontofc_2008
04-06-2009, 05:06 PM
question about Dallas is, will we run over them like in year one at home

or will the Refs continue to fuck us over drastically like they did on the road in year one (2 penalties) and at home last year ( 2 red cards)


Dallas is a better team then their record indicates and TFC has To come out with all guns firing Saturday..take at the minimum 4 of 6 from Dallas
over the two games that would be terrific...6 out of 6 a bonus :}

Hitcho
04-06-2009, 05:08 PM
After our chat on Saturday Jack, hopefully first of many with you and the guys, i have no doubt whatsoever that these are isolated cases, I am sure together we will weed them out and make sure we, as supporters of TFC, are only known for our passion for our team and the support we give, within the lines.

I'm 100% in favour of this.

Although secretly I can't help thinking it would be nice if, just once a season, we could literally drown an opposing player in streamers for a few minutes at a corner, just like the good old days... :D

headhoncho
04-06-2009, 05:10 PM
That's what it's always been about.

BTW, it's probably a good idea if you let everyone know who you are as people will wonder (like Scott did above)

Good thinking Jack>

My name is Mike Burns and I am the Director of Security for MLSE. I am not going to bore you all to death with my history, but as Jack, Phil and some of the other guys know, I have watched football for many years and I am now working with a tremendous bunch of people both professionally and also within our supporters community to make sure, we, as TFC supporters continue to give that atmosphere and passion to our team to help make them the best they can be.

Jack
04-06-2009, 05:14 PM
Thanks Mike, welcome to our message boards.

Hitcho
04-06-2009, 05:15 PM
Welcome Mike!

"I am the Director of Security for MLSE"

Does this mean we have to be nice to you?! :D ;)

headhoncho
04-06-2009, 05:16 PM
Thanks Jack

I am looking forward to keeping in touch with as many of the guys as possible, whether on here or at the park. Feel free to say hello or whatever else you think you might like to say.....:D

headhoncho
04-06-2009, 05:17 PM
Welcome Mike!

"I am the Director of Security for MLSE"

Does this mean we have to be nice to you?! :D ;)

Absolutely not....well....:D

Toronto_Bhoy
04-06-2009, 10:59 PM
Just a question, and not specifically to Mike, but what exactly is the punishment for throwing "projectiles" on to the pitch?

Are they severe enough to be used as a deterrent?

Just curious…

BuSaPuNk
04-06-2009, 11:07 PM
Welcome to the boards Mike. Nice to see security getting on board with us and what we want to achieve in the stands. Welcome. It's time for a sticky thread "Ask Mike!"

Roogsy
04-06-2009, 11:13 PM
Welcome Mike.

Personally...I want to wish security all the best and I know with cooperation from all sides, this can work.

And I hope that if your guys catch someone throwing something...they've given you the power to not only escort them off the property, but to ban them for good.

The rest of us want to support our team and watch some football. That's all. I hope you realize that. Lord knows the media don't.

dee-spot
04-07-2009, 07:20 AM
I would also like to know what power you have when it comes to people throwing things on the pitch. We were only a few rows behind the asshole that threw that beer at Ljunberg on Saturday. We were too far away to stop it from happening but we were yelling at him and afterwards a security guy was looking up at the crowd and we all pointed him out and the security guy looked at us and let us know he knew and then nothing happened! Why didn't they take him away?? I was so pissed off that he got away with it!! There should be a 'no tolerance' towards things like this. He and his friends were totally pissed and they probably got their tickets off some scalper and won't be back again but it's people like him that give us all a bad name. I wouldn't hesitate pointing these idiots out but what's the point if nothing is done about it.

TFCREDNWHITE
04-07-2009, 07:59 AM
Just a question, and not specifically to Mike, but what exactly is the punishment for throwing "projectiles" on to the pitch?

Are they severe enough to be used as a deterrent?

Just curious…

Me too Mike, What is the punishment??

Personally i think you should just give'em a stern talking too and i'm sure they won't do it again...

Carts
04-07-2009, 08:11 AM
Thanks Jack

I am looking forward to keeping in touch with as many of the guys as possible, whether on here or at the park. Feel free to say hello or whatever else you think you might like to say.....:D

Welcome Mike...

Thanks for coming on here and saying hello, making yourself known...

I'm confident the team will succeed on the pitch, and we will succeed in the stands - that being supporters & security working together (gasp!) to keep BMO bouncing & loud, while keeping the 1% who want to stir it up out...

Carts...

Rocco
04-07-2009, 08:13 AM
Personally i think you should just give'em a stern talking too and i'm sure they won't do it again...

just a talking to? This isn't preschool where we can go stand in the corner for 10 minutes for punishment.



And I hope that if your guys catch someone throwing something...they've given you the power to not only escort them off the property, but to ban them for good.

spot on... I can add by saying throwing a projectile can be something you can get charged with. If you were walking down the street and throw something at someone, it counts as an aggravated assault. If it hits them, you can be charged with attempted murder. Zero tolerence is the key. Along with PA announcements before the game and during halftime reminding the fans.

trail
04-07-2009, 11:28 AM
Although secretly I can't help thinking it would be nice if, just once a season, we could literally drown an opposing player in streamers for a few minutes at a corner, just like the good old days... :D

I agree that beer and other items should not be thrown on the pitch.........but streamers is one of the great parts I look forward to sitting in courners!!

BFin
04-07-2009, 11:32 AM
Great to see you on Mike!

Steve
04-07-2009, 12:48 PM
Hi Mike, welcome to the crazy house. I would advise you to not take what people say too seriously (except for me of course).

Quick question, has anyone from any news outlet contacted you for a statement (regarding how you view the fans and such)? I ask since TFC fans seem to be developing quite the poor reputation in the community recently, and I figured you might be a good person to have quoted in the media (assuming, of course, you don't actually think we're hooligans). Has anyone at MLSE thought about maybe "talking to" some media contacts about this? Having articles quoting Mike, Paul, etc, to try to downplay the "soccer fans are all crazy, never take your kids to a game" view that seems to be growing?

Pookie
04-07-2009, 12:50 PM
Just wanted to add support for what you are trying to do re: throwing of objects.

I also wanted to say that despite the negative press, I owe you security guys a round of applause. Over the last two seasons, I have brought my own kids and players from the soccer team that I coach down to the games.

To a person, they have all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and felt completely secure both in and outside the stadium. I'd say that a trip to BMO was one of the more memorable experiences in their lives.

One favour though, could you get the HeadConcessionsandServicesHancho on here? There are a few things we'd like to discuss.

Chevy
04-07-2009, 12:54 PM
Just wanted to add support for what you are trying to do re: throwing of objects.

I also wanted to say that despite the negative press, I owe you security guys a round of applause. Over the last two seasons, I have brought my own kids and players from the soccer team that I coach down to the games.

To a person, they have all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and felt completely secure both in and outside the stadium. I'd say that a trip to BMO was one of the more memorable experiences in their lives.

One favour though, could you get the HeadConcessionsandServicesHancho on here? There are a few things we'd like to discuss.

+1. My kids also have a great time attending games, but the threat of one of them getting nailed with a beer/bottle/etc troubles me, along with the pre-game crush at the gate (which isn't that bad, but could potentially be very problematic).

Pookie
04-07-2009, 01:02 PM
^ troubles me too but it has never happened and sounds as though there will be a concentrated effort to stop and hopefully punish it (I'd love to see ticket privileges revoked).

I'd love to know that they have adopted CCTV at some point to be able to track down an offender should something like that happen.

In fairness too, when we take the kids we tend to find tickets in the 123-124 sections. My son did come with me and sit in 110 last year but I don't think that is a good place for him. Has nothing to do with anything "hooligan" related but has everything to do with the fact that he can't see the game when everyone is standing.

Those tickets cost more obviously but he gets to see the game which is the point.

Chevy
04-07-2009, 01:05 PM
Yep. 1st offence - ejection/fine. 2nd offence - banned. period.

S_D
04-07-2009, 01:36 PM
Yep. 1st offence - ejection/fine. 2nd offence - banned. period.

I think that your idea of the first offense it too lenient to be honest. The second offense is all good by me except include in the banning, loss of season's tickets and all rights to them.

Many people love their season tickets. Many would never dream of chucking stuff onto the pitch because they don't want to face a ban.

What concerns me the most, is who are the people who get caught and escorted out. Are they ones who buy from scalpers, or are they just the few who own seasons (or gave them to a friend) and don't really care because they know they can come back at the next home game.

What I suggest is first offense, The ticketed seat is SUSPENDED for x amount of games. And I am not talking about 1 or 2 games. Make the suspension really HURT. 5-10 games.

And here is a suggested process. It would not be cumbersome to do as it is not like we have 100's of people doing the bad stuff. It is only a few bad apples.

The owner of the ticket is contacted by registered letter and informed of the suspension. They have to sign for the letter to confirm it has been received. When the ticket is scanned at the entrance and it comes up as suspended, the ticket holder is refused entry. If they try and get in more than once, suspend the ticket for the season.

If it is a normal go to every game season ticket holder, they may just think better of throwing something because they would miss their beloved TFC. If they don't, they get to watch it on TV. If giving their ticket to a friend, they will certainly use their judgement if they think their friend is a drunken ass or wanna be hoolie.

If it is a scalper's seat. The get punished for selling to idiots. They lose money. And if they ignore the letter and sell the ticket anyways, they have knowing committed an offense (fraud?) because they are selling a ticket to an event that they know they are not allowed to use. (remember the registered letter).

This may have a negative impact on an innocent fan, but it will also make people think twice about buying from a scalper, and a scalper may start using his judgement as to who to sell their ticket to.

s2cazz
04-07-2009, 01:41 PM
Good to see that the head of security is in communication with the fans on the public forum...only good can come of this!

headhoncho
04-07-2009, 02:38 PM
Welcome to the boards Mike. Nice to see security getting on board with us and what we want to achieve in the stands. Welcome. It's time for a sticky thread "Ask Mike!"

:D:D:D

I'm in.

headhoncho
04-07-2009, 02:45 PM
Guys

In relation to throwing things on the pitch, for one it is dangerous, even if it is beer in a plastic cup. I also cant vouch for the arm strength of someone in the upper rows who think they can get it on the park and it actually hits the supporters and of course there is the public perception that as a result of one imbicile doing this, everyone in the park is the same.

it can't happen and we will take action on the individual(s) involved. just something to bear in mind here guys, I firmly believe in our fans and the support they give our team is without question better than some teams in Europe get. Just keep it within the rules. that does not stop you from singing, dancing, stamping your feet, beating the drums etc, it's just a bit of common sense.

I have said it many times, this is a season we should all be looking forward too. The team needs you to be that twelfth man.

Go for it.:D:D

Pookie
04-07-2009, 02:47 PM
I think that your idea of the first offense it too lenient to be honest. The second offense is all good by me except include in the banning, loss of season's tickets and all rights to them.

Many people love their season tickets. Many would never dream of chucking stuff onto the pitch because they don't want to face a ban.

What concerns me the most, is who are the people who get caught and escorted out. Are they ones who buy from scalpers, or are they just the few who own seasons (or gave them to a friend) and don't really care because they know they can come back at the next home game.

What I suggest is first offense, The ticketed seat is SUSPENDED for x amount of games. And I am not talking about 1 or 2 games. Make the suspension really HURT. 5-10 games.


I'm not sure this is workable. If I offer my tickets up for sale, say on the Ticket Exchange, and someone who buys my seat decides to throw a beer, I really shouldn't be held accountable for that.

The punishment needs to be on the individual, IMO

In Europe, they have Football Banning Orders, which can even be as restrictive as preventing the individual from using public transportation or visiting pubs on game days.

I'd suggest that if it were a fan who bought a single ticket, that they be subject to a FBO. If they also happen to own season seats/partial packs then those priviledges are removed for a period of time (2 to 10 years) in addition to the FBO.

Super
04-07-2009, 02:50 PM
Sounds like you've got the right attitude from your end as well, Mike. Good to see that you're in charge!

egoodwin
04-07-2009, 03:00 PM
I'm not sure this is workable. If I offer my tickets up for sale, say on the Ticket Exchange, and someone who buys my seat decides to throw a beer, I really shouldn't be held accountable for that.

The punishment needs to be on the individual, IMO

In Europe, they have Football Banning Orders, which can even be as restrictive as preventing the individual from using public transportation or visiting pubs on game days.

I'd suggest that if it were a fan who bought a single ticket, that they be subject to a FBO. If they also happen to own season seats/partial packs then those priviledges are removed for a period of time (2 to 10 years) in addition to the FBO.
you've got to be absolutely kidding... no subway or a pub for someone throws a beer at a stadium, that is really excessive

yeah, the civil liberties groups here would be all over that

ExiledRed
04-07-2009, 03:06 PM
you've got to be absolutely kidding... no subway or a pub for someone throws a beer at a stadium, that is really excessive

yeah, the civil liberties groups here would be all over that

correction:

no subway or pub on gameday, prior to a match.

Excessive? who cares?

nfitz
04-07-2009, 03:10 PM
you've got to be absolutely kidding... no subway or a pub for someone throws a beer at a stadium, that is really excessiveUh, I think you have to do something worse than that for such an order. Repeated violence, destruction, or racism would be necessary. Besides ... I didn't think they let them have been in the stands in England - so I can't imagine throwing beer happens much.

That aside though - I'm quite happy for security to come down heavily on anyone throwing beer. I'd rather not have any land on me - and it just looks bad on everyone.

Now if only they'd deal with the smokers - it's not like they are hard to spot.

Pookie
04-07-2009, 03:32 PM
you've got to be absolutely kidding... no subway or a pub for someone throws a beer at a stadium, that is really excessive

yeah, the civil liberties groups here would be all over that

Depends on what they throw and what the outcome is.

A beer from 221 that lands on a kid and knocks them out in 121 would be a serious action. Probably not that excessive if the outcome was injury.

Similarly, if the policy was MLS wide, a fellow that chooses to throw a metal railing (for example) down towards an area in which kids volunteer as ball retrievers...yeah, not that excessive in my opinion.

S_D
04-07-2009, 03:42 PM
I'm not sure this is workable. If I offer my tickets up for sale, say on the Ticket Exchange, and someone who buys my seat decides to throw a beer, I really shouldn't be held accountable for that.

The punishment needs to be on the individual, IMO



A good thought, and I agree you should not be punished if you put your ticket on the exchange. This is a legitimate channel for ensuring others get your ticket, and allowances should be made. I am sure that TFC has access to the database on people who buy tickets from the exchange. My suggestion though still stands I think, that the punishment is on the individual because they are accountable where their tickets go.

There are 2 options to this.

1) Before they send out the letter notifying that the ticket is suspended they do a quick check against the ticket exchange. If they see it, they take notes of who bought it and with what (i.e. visa) and don't alllow them to buy again through the ticket exchange or through the normal process. In addition, if they are on the waiting list they are removed and prevented from reapplying permanently. You are protected, and they weed out the jerks.

2) If you get a letter saying your tix are suspended, and you went through the ticket exchange I bet you would be on the phone in seconds telling the call center what happened, and they get a chance to fix it. Then see #1. Again you are protected, and the jerks are prevented from coming back.

I am sure there are other issues that could pop up but you get the idea. By slowly weeding out the people who choose to cause problems, the HeadHoncho's job becomes easier as time goes on.

This method would also give people second thoughts of considering other channels to sell their tickets i.e. scalpers or ebay, and pushes them to use the ticket exchange. Using the ticket exchange offers you security in knowing that if your seat is abused, you have nothing to fear. You get no such protection when you pass your tix to a scalper and it is your risk to take.

It makes them accountable to where their tickets go.

I am sure you guys could come up with other potential pitfalls, and it could all be part of creating a comprehensive plan.

These sort of plans could be seen as a way for the FO to demontrate that they are doing something about a brewing problem, and if the SG's supported it, it would show that the SG's do not approve of such bad behaviour.

Toronto_Bhoy
04-07-2009, 04:19 PM
^^Once again Soccer_Dad's voice of reason illuminates the board!

s2cazz
04-07-2009, 04:23 PM
Guys

In relation to throwing things on the pitch, for one it is dangerous, even if it is beer in a plastic cup. I also cant vouch for the arm strength of someone in the upper rows who think they can get it on the park and it actually hits the supporters and of course there is the public perception that as a result of one imbicile doing this, everyone in the park is the same.

it can't happen and we will take action on the individual(s) involved. just something to bear in mind here guys, I firmly believe in our fans and the support they give our team is without question better than some teams in Europe get. Just keep it within the rules. that does not stop you from singing, dancing, stamping your feet, beating the drums etc, it's just a bit of common sense.

I have said it many times, this is a season we should all be looking forward too. The team needs you to be that twelfth man.

Go for it.:D:D
All class

S_D
04-07-2009, 06:29 PM
^^Once again Soccer_Dad's voice of reason illuminates the board!

And you sir have the memory of an elephant.

I can't believe you remember my user name from the old board. :D