Today’s News, Friday , Apr.24

[denime]

Mornin'


Toronto FC fans not hooligans, police say after road flare incident
By Matthew Coutts, National Post

Concerns over potential Toronto soccer hooliganism were downplayed by police today, after a second incident in less than a month.

Two teenagers were arrested for throwing lit road flares onto the field and into the stands during the closing minutes of a Toronto FC match last night, a few weeks after a Toronto fan was Tasered by police while celebrating after a game in Columbus.
“We want people to know that we are not going to tolerate this type of stuff, but this was the action of such a small minority,” said 14 Division Inspector Paul Vorvis. “It’s not a huge problem and we want to keep it that way.”

Read More (http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2009/04/23/toronto-fc-fans-not-hooligans-police-say-after-road-flare-incident.aspx)



TFC fan burned, not bitter
She'll return despite tossed flare
By BRETT CLARKSON (brett.clarkson@sunmedia.ca)

A Toronto FC fan who suffered a second-degree burn when a lit flare landed on her leg called the incident "pretty stupid" but vowed it won't deter her from going to future soccer games at BMO Field.
"I'm not going to let a couple people out of 20,000 ruin the whole experience," said Adrienne Coughlan, 26, of Ajax. "The experience of being at a game is amazing. I would totally go back. I want to go back to another game."
Midway through the second half of Wednesday's match against Chivas USA, two lit flares were thrown from section 110 high above the sellout crowd of 19,915.

Read More (http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2009/04/24/9226041-sun.html)


TFC fans charged over flare incident
Woman burned, pitch damaged after teenagers toss torches from stands during game vs. Chivas
Daniel Girard

Two teenagers are facing charges, including possession of a dangerous weapon and assault causing bodily harm, after a woman was burned by a flare fired in the stands at Wednesday's Toronto FC game.
Toronto police allege the two young men from Stoney Creek, Ont., one 18, the other 17, were in the stands at BMO Field during the TFC-Chivas USA game when they each ignited a flare and threw them towards the soccer pitch.

Read More (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/623693)




SUNSHINE (http://www.torontosun.com/sunshinegirl/) WTF :noidea: :o

[Smuttynose]

wow... the post actually writing a positive article about supporters?? what is this world coming to?? :D

great quotes by jack btw!

[Wagner]

1) the Post article was good. it was nice to have the Cops say that.
2) good work as usual by jack.
3) wtf is that sunshine girl all about? it looks like pics are from a sears roebuck catalogue from the 1950's.

[CretanBull]

I'm glad to see that the response has been pretty even handed (for once!) but I think we all have that fear that an idiotic sensationalist piece is still out there waiting to explode...

[mlsintoronto]

Wow. A bit of balance. Didn't see that coming.

I will not bash media today.

[InTheCrowd]

Today's media is in our favour!

[Mark in Ottawa]

great quotes by jack btw!
^^ +1
As always, thanks Jack for representing us.

[Mark in Ottawa]

3) wtf is that sunshine girl all about? it looks like pics are from a sears roebuck catalogue from the 1950's.
Free publicity for some show or another.
Reeks of kickback to me :noidea:

[JDG]

1) the Post article was good. it was nice to have the Cops say that.
2) good work as usual by jack.
3) wtf is that sunshine girl all about? it looks like pics are from a sears roebuck catalogue from the 1950's.


1 - Thank you Matthew Coutts, Rob Roberts, and 14 Division Inspector Paul Vorvis. It's great to see thse comments at a time like this!
2 - Jack is the man. Always saying what needs to be said.
3 - She's in costume for her role in "Jersey Girl". Attractive, but hardly sexy:(

[tfc007]

I am surprised that Cathal 'asshole' Kelly didnt write an article on this incident, I could just imagine what he would write!

[JDG]

I am surprised that Cathal 'asshole' Kelly didnt write an article on this incident, I could just imagine what he would write!

He might have, but you won't find it here.

[Suds]

Balanced, factual, and fair reports. It's all that has been asked from the start.

Thanks for posting the daily reports Denime.

Now ... off the the threads to get hyped for Sunday. We have another game to win!!

[Jack]

A little bit of perspective is a nice thing.

[DOMIN8R]

I saw a announcer on CP24 go off on the fans last night - saying he's too afraid to bring his kids to a TFC game with al the violence. He said that they should have a game without fans as punishment like they do in Europe.

[Jack]

I saw a announcer on CP24 go off on the fans last night - saying he's too afraid to bring his kids to a TFC game with al the violence. He said that they should have a game without fans as punishment like they do in Europe.
Bah...it's obvious he's never been to a game.

[drewski]

good article in the post and props to the victim of the flare for begin such a real fan!

[Eastend]

I prayed for these types of articles today.....glad to see them.

[scooter]

mornin all

finally they are getting it thanks for rep in us well jack

all the rpb and other supporters groups efforts with fo and tps seems to be paying off

good job rpb executive

come on sunday canny wait

[ensco]

Let's give some credit for the good press today to TFC (Paul plus whoever else has been handling this issue). Paul told us they have to do their bit behind the scenes. It appears to be working.

[Steve]

Wow. A bit of balance. Didn't see that coming.

I will not bash media today.

Really? Interesting, I could have sworn there was an MLSE hand in some of those (after the terrible reporting before). I don't mean I thought you guys forced the articles, but at least used your "sway" to ensure the cops were giving the right quotes, and the papers were motivated to be balanced.

[Oldtimer]

Props to the Post for giving a positive angle for TFC fans. I noticed that they didn't jump on the "hooligan" bandwagon like the Star and the Sun after this year's Columbus game.

They've clearly learned from their mistake 2 years ago and are giving even-handed balanced reporting, which is just what we want.

[boban]

Wow. A bit of balance. Didn't see that coming.

I will not bash media today.
I agree.
But what the heck is this 'booster' group?
It's not the Jays FFS.

[jabbronies]

I don't understand what's going on....I'm so fucking confused...first the Post writes a positive article about the supporters, then the Sun goes and does that with the sunshine girl....WHERE IS THE CO-ED GIRL TO MAKE IT ALL RIGHT AGAIN!!!

[tfcleeds]

I am surprised that Cathal 'asshole' Kelly didnt write an article on this incident, I could just imagine what he would write!

Aah, I'm sure he's feverishly typing away in his Mom's basement as we speak, creating his next "masterpiece".

In any case, forget about him, it was nice to see some positive coverage, especially from the National Post. Props to Jack as well!

[flatpicker]

yes... a pleasant surprise with those articles today... thank goodness!

and regarding the SSG... I agree, strange photoshoot... like the pictures were meant to sell the clothes she's wearing.
Nothing wrong with the lady though. And the fact that she is an actress in Jersey Boys comes as no surprise.
She sure looks the part.

[Oldtimer]

I agree.
But what the heck is this 'booster' group?
It's not the Jays FFS.

ha-ha, I noticed that too. Rather lame sounding... however, I'd rather we be considered milquetoast than hooligan, considering the situation...

[elvis]

I love the National Post headline.

[Oldtimer]

We worry about Harmse and Serioux's propensity for cards, but what about the Red Bull's Carlos Johnson?:


Ahead by a goal and up a man for nearly the entire match, host Kansas City squandered several chances to put the game away yet maintained the status quo and beat New York, 1-0, Thursday at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in front of 10,385 fans. The Red Bulls' Carlos Johnson's red card in the second minute was the fastest in MLS history and the second in two games for the Costa Rican MLS newcomer.

http://www.socceramerica.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=32048

[Lucky Strike]

+1 on the booster group thing. It sounds like there is a bunch of us on the touchline waiting to serve some energy drink and giving hormone shots to players or something.

But good to see fair and accurate reporting. Was that so hard everyone? Well done today. Still though, it's unfortunate that these articles needed to be written at all. I'd have preferred not to see any incident at all.

Is anyone else concerned that so many journalists are coming to forums to get their material? As it turns out, this time it proved beneficial (or at least damage-limiting) but in the past, it has not.

[Roogsy]

ha-ha, I noticed that too. Rather lame sounding... however, I'd rather we be considered milquetoast than hooligan, considering the situation...

For real, seriously. I don't care much for the term, but considering everything else that has happened in the media, this is a minor, minor error that I don't care to pay attention to.

Fair, balanced reporting. Its all that we ask. The incident happened. Report on the facts. Don't make shit up. I wonder what genetic handicap Wanker and Catheter have that prohibits them from accomplishing such an attainable level of professionalism. I would love to ask them which cops "commented" for their articles considering these cops were saying the exact opposite.

[keem-o-sabi]

I don't understand what's going on....I'm so fucking confused...first the Post writes a positive article about the supporters, then the Sun goes and does that with the sunshine girl....WHERE IS THE CO-ED GIRL TO MAKE IT ALL RIGHT AGAIN!!!

ask and you shall receive my friend....today's smoking hot coed girl (http://coedmagazine.com/category/girls/miss-coed/):hump:

[KrazyKanadian]

Meanwhile, notes about the next game.

TFC vs Wizards: Matchday Info (http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20090424&content_id=243496&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280)

Toronto FC take on Kansas City Wizards at BMO Field on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast live on GOLTV with the pre-game broadcast starting at 4:30 p.m. Luke Wileman and former Canadian international defender Jason de Vos will call the action. Channel guide: Rogers 428, Bell 404, Starchoice 459, Cogeco 122. For a full list of GOLTV channel locations, click here (http://www.goltv.ca/about/channel_guide.php?section=schedule). For customers of Bell Express Vu, the match will be available on freeview.
Join Dan Dunleavy for the radio call of the game. The action will be joined in progress on The FAN 590 but you can hear the full 90 minutes online on fan590.com.


Getting to the game
If you usually use the Don Valley Parkway to get to BMO Field you will need to take a different route on Sunday. The DVP is closed this weekend for spring maintenance all the way from the 401 to the Gardiner. There are a number of events taking place on the Exhibition grounds on Sunday so expect increased traffic around the stadium and leave extra time to find a parking space.


Ticket framing
Due to popular demand the framing tent is back for one final match. If you want to get your season tickets framed, this is your last opportunity. Head to Gate 1 at BMO Field on Sunday and look for the red Toronto FC tent. It will be open until the end of half time.

[trane]

^ How did he get red cards in consequiteve games? Do they mean the next game he played? Or was he not suspened for a match?

[rocker]

^ How did he get red cards in consequiteve games? Do they mean the next game he played? Or was he not suspened for a match?

The author did not say consecutive.

he's played two games in MLS and got two red cards.
So of 3 games, he got a red in the first one, sat out the second, and got a red in the third.

[Oldtimer]

Flare incident makes USA Today.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2009-04-23-2866850441_x.htm

[Darlofletch]

can't complain about those articles at all.

[Roogsy]

The only part I dislike is that this is in the news at all. But there is no denying the incident happened and the news will choose what the cover. But there are fights in the streets of Toronto with more severe consequences than this. I am sure USA Today does not report on any of our shootings right? I don't know what the interest is in covering a couple of stupid kids other than MLS is an American league.

It's also too bad that the USA Today article does not point out the part supporter played in pointing out the dumbass kids.

But in the end, the article was accurate and that is all that can be asked. I have more problems with the reader comments than I do with the article, but the readers are not accountable, they can post what they like I suppose.

At the end of the day, Toronto FC fans are doing this to themselves. And if the day ever comes that I have to watch my team play behind a net...I will be pissed and lord help me if anyone defends these idiots that will force us to watch behind nets.

[TFC_Chris]

It was his first game back. He got a red in the 0-0 draw with Houston two weeks ago.
Violent Conduct for the first one.
Denied Goal Scoring Opportunity for the second one.

[ag futbol]

I wouldn't get too wound up about the term "booster group" lol. At least it's putting it in terms the public can understand. We might actually be viewed as human beings for once.

Good on that lady for turning the other direction on this one. I think most people would be quite bitter.

[Oblio2]

Forget the SSG...page 57...Rebecca Romaijn (sp?)

WOW:hump:

[TFC_Chris]

Roogs,
I'm not taking the comment in that USA article too seriously when the guy's avatar is of his chihuahua. Real men get a real avatar.
This coming from the guy who has an old video game as his avatar.

[Lucky Strike]

On a lighter note, it's amusing to see how whatever the number of people who attended it always seems to be a sellout crowd. 19915, 20250, 20533, 20626, they're all sellouts!

[BFin]

I had already read the comments about the SSG, but despite that I opened it and still had the reaction "Oh, what the fuck?"
I'd rather have dichio in there then that girl.

Sunday Sunday Sunday...looking like rain...gonna be a good one!

[CretanBull]

On a lighter note, it's amusing to see how whatever the number of people who attended it always seems to be a sellout crowd. 19915, 20250, 20533, 20626, they're all sellouts!

I think that has to do with the number of people who are in the private boxes, and the variable field-side seating.

[Redcoe15]

Good to read some positive stories about TFC fans. Hopefuly the message continues to get out to the community.

As for the SSG, my first thought was "is that a dude?" :noidea:

[The Kingpin]

"...Booster Club..." Classic.

[Jack]

"...Booster Club..." Classic.
Seriously.

But I guess it's the closest approximation in the North American vocabulary :noidea: :(

[The Kingpin]

Seriously.

But I guess it's the closest approximation in the North American vocabulary :noidea: :(

I'm not around much anymore - but I check the news when I can... And this stood out. I must say - I'd rather be called a 'Hooligan'... :D

[Jack]

I'm not around much anymore - but I check the news when I can... And this stood out. I must say - I'd rather be called a 'Hooligan'... :D
Well we all know that about you!:D

And we have the YouTube videos to prove it!

[The Kingpin]

Well we all know that about you!:D

And we have the YouTube videos to prove it!

But we all know that I have that love in me heart...

Is this the clip you are referring to:

qCFHsdHcGHI

[Jack]

But we all know that I have that love in me heart...

Is this the clip you are referring to:

qCFHsdHcGHI

That one's a classic, but I was thinking of this one ;)

ZJdLH211gvM

[MUFC_Niagara]

Although Paul is being quite coy on what MLSE's involvement was, I think we can assume that behind the scenes MLSE and the new head of security, (Michael?), have been working hard. The comments from the police reflect exactly what happened and the articles reflect that as well. The change in security this season has been immense. This has also trickled down to the police who are there. While I didn't have much of a problem with them before, they seem to be a lot more effective in how they deal with things. From what I saw last match, all of the individuals who were escorted out deserved it. The police man in front of 113 was joking around with with me, Carts, and his buddy and was even trying to learn the words to the songs.

Good work by Paul, the security team, and the new head security honcho (Michael?). Your efforts are appreciated. We all want a safe environment that does not cut into the atmosphere we create, I think we are there now.

As has been said Jack, excellent job as always.

[The Kingpin]

That one's a classic, but I was thinking of this one ;)

ZJdLH211gvM

That wasn't me.... ??? :)

Anyway - good to chat. I'm much sweeter now, marriage and the relaxed UK footballing atmosphere will do that to you. We have been watching regularly, and will be watching agin this Sunday. On to the summer - Patrick in full force at BMO!!! Booohahahaha...

7KLb7r_3-_U

[MUFC_Niagara]

Lmfao...."that's Why You're Shit, That's Why You're Fucking Shit!"

Epic.

[Wagner]

Although Paul is being quite coy on what MLSE's involvement was, I think we can assume that behind the scenes MLSE and the new head of security, (Michael?), have been working hard. The comments from the police reflect exactly what happened and the articles reflect that as well. The change in security this season has been immense. This has also trickled down to the police who are there. While I didn't have much of a problem with them before, they seem to be a lot more effective in how they deal with things. From what I saw last match, all of the individuals who were escorted out deserved it. The police man in front of 113 was joking around with with me, Carts, and his buddy and was even trying to learn the words to the songs.

Good work by Paul, the security team, and the new head security honcho (Michael?). Your efforts are appreciated. We all want a safe environment that does not cut into the atmosphere we create, I think we are there now.

As has been said Jack, excellent job as always.

very true.
I said something similar yesterday.
How there haven't been any threads about how bad security is...this time last year we would average 3-5 per game.

Security is kind of like Referees...when they aren't noticed or mentioned, it means they're doing a good job.

[MUFC_Niagara]

By the way Paul, now that I have sung your praises how about hooking me up with Keith Urban tickets??? It would do wonders in keeping my wife from giving me the 'death stare' whenever I take off for BMO for 6 hours! LOL. Happy wife, happy life!

[GBV]

A little bit of perspective is a nice thing.

well said. several here could use some. too.

[Gobi]

Awwww, goshdarnit. I have nothing to complain about today, journalism-wise.
Can we change "booster group" to "pep squad"? Please? I wanna be in a pep squad!

:)

[Steve]

On a lighter note, it's amusing to see how whatever the number of people who attended it always seems to be a sellout crowd. 19915, 20250, 20533, 20626, they're all sellouts!

Now, I don't know how many people here will believe me, but when I asked Paul last year if they announced tickets sold, or tickets scanned, he said tickets scanned. This would also account for how the stadium can be "sold out" and yet, not full.

That said, I'm not sure 19915 tickets were actually scanned on wed, but I really have no way to accurately judge. What with people getting food, in the beer garden, crowding the south end, coming late, leaving early, etc, it's rather difficult to judge attendence. Maybe the scalpers all come in during the second half, and scan their remaining tickets :).

[Suds]

Awwww, goshdarnit. I have nothing to complain about today, journalism-wise.
Can we change "booster group" to "pep squad"? Please? I wanna be in a pep squad!

:)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

...

During games, pep squads lead cheers and chants.
...

A traditional uniform is a skirt and a top in school colors. Sometimes pep squads use pom-poms (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pom-pom).

Does this mean we're getting RBP pom-poms??? :D and I'm not wearing a skirt!!






I really need to get the hell out of the office today ... I'm starting to lose it. (beer time)

[ensco]

The only part I dislike is that this is in the news at all. But there is no denying the incident happened and the news will choose what the cover. But there are fights in the streets of Toronto with more severe consequences than this. I am sure USA Today does not report on any of our shootings right? I don't know what the interest is in covering a couple of stupid kids other than MLS is an American league.

It's also too bad that the USA Today article does not point out the part supporter played in pointing out the dumbass kids.

But in the end, the article was accurate and that is all that can be asked. I have more problems with the reader comments than I do with the article, but the readers are not accountable, they can post what they like I suppose.

At the end of the day, Toronto FC fans are doing this to themselves. And if the day ever comes that I have to watch my team play behind a net...I will be pissed and lord help me if anyone defends these idiots that will force us to watch behind nets.

I agree with most of this. But imho it should be reported. People will get pissed and try stamp it out. Otherwise, next game they'll be more flares thrown, and then someday you live in a third world country.

[Toronto Ruffrider]

I have no problem with the article; it was factual, unbiased, and it cut to the point. In other words, the article actually qualifies as "news." Catheter et al could learn a thing or two about reporting from pieces such as this one.