http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...ent/columnists
My response to this sorry excuse for a columnist:
Hello Leah,
While reading your column this morning I couldn't help but shake my head in disappointment. There have been many instances where I have read the term hooliganism associated with TFC fans. That could not be any further from the truth. As a season ticket holder I have never seen an instance of hooliganism which brings me to the conclusion that the media is simply trying to extinguish the most exciting sporting event in this city. You commented on a fight that occurred because these were TFC fans, as if to say that fights never occur in other circumstances or with other fans. I have never seen a fight break out at our pitch as what happened during the Blue Jays home opener this year, and it was no surprise the media didn't mention much of anything about it.
Soccer is my favourite and only sport and as I have become a bit older I have realized how boring and bland US and Canada specific sports really are. Statistics, cheer leaders, constant stoppage of play and time, high scoring system that does not reflect the story of the game, multiple games to decide a champion (even after a long season), and many other facts. The most beautiful game in the world is called that for a reason, no other sport produces the same level of passion in its fans. The fans make the game what it is and to say that we need to erase this from our city, it will never happen. Finally we can cheer and support our team the way we want and not have the media or the corporate moguls dictate fan support. Hockey is dead to me. In fact, I was a die hard Leafs fan up until two years ago when I realized that I was suckered into supporting a farce for a team which is something I will never forgive. In the end you stated "Toronto's emerging soccer hooligans are Canadian after all: They went home to watch the hockey game". The core supporters do not go home to watch hockey, we continue to celebrate our team and speak of everything soccer. You simply do not understand the support for TFC and to make such a statement is, in my opinion, ignorant. I would ask that you as a contributor to the media get your facts in order before making such comments.
The new era has begun. TFC is here to stay and nothing will extinguish the support and passion we have for the most beautiful game in the world.