Security at BMO Field order fans to take down ‘refugees welcome’ banner at Toronto FC
http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/...oronto-fc-game
Interesting that MLSE is claiming now that it was taken down because the banner was "political". Security said no such thing, only claiming that banners were not allowed outside of the supporters section when 111 is clearly a supporters section.
Did folks at the Canada game run into the same issues?
Good quote from the article:Originally Posted by flamehawk
Good point.Webfooter17 wrote, “It’s fun to make a banner and all, but until you actually welcome refugees into your home and feed/clothe/shelter them, don’t pat yourself on the back.”
I have a friend who is working with an NGO to fund and bring in a refugee family. That actually will cost him time and money.
MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto
Its as much a political issue as how we treat troops and veterans. (see next home game)
Or the rainbow flag.
i.e. Human decency is not a political issue.
Canada game, the refugees welcome banner only came out in the 85th min.
There was zero reason to take the banner down.
Just another example of security/Stadium Ops at BMO not having a clue.
LGBTQ rights is quite directly related to football, because there are gay people in the closet in most sports' locker rooms.
Refugees don't for the most part end up playing for our club.
It's different.
MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto
Well since MLSE backed it up, they do have a clue, just doing what they are told.
this!
100%
Pacifists might find the Troops stuff political.
It also isn't cool how they sell Camo gear with "a portion" or proceeds going to causes.
The refugee banner is simply saying "I see other humans in a terrible spot, in my opinion, they could join me in my country"
Your right that human decency isnt a political issue except that this situation isnt black and white, to one person their refugees, to another their terrorists or opportunistic free loaders, this situation is way to political and has no place at a football match.
Keep football separated from everything thats remotly political is my opinion.
Then why was there a similar banner at the Canada game?
What? I would agree in saying that these sorts of social issues aren't all the same and they should be treated differently but they are inherently political. I don't think it matters whether the problem is related to the sport or not, I think it matters on whether it is pressing social issue that inevitably affects the sport (i.e. Racism).
Some of us that were there do this too. It's not one or the other.
Current mls top scorer kamara was a refugee....
if they were predominantly christian, would you still use the T-word?
also, it is "they are" not "their"
Refugee by definition is anyone seeking refuge.
Seeking Safety and Peace.
it is a human issue first and foremost.
google some pics of the camps.
I post this without any sort of endorsement, but it is funny how most Canadians disagree: http://ipolitics.ca/2015/09/11/only-...more-refugees/
Human rights should not be subject to polls and referendums.
agreed.....and for the record, I remember a few years back there was a banner before the CCL match v. Santos speaking out to the drug wars south of the border at its peak, and the banner was up for all of about a minute or two before security asked them to take it down....precidence regarding this issue has been set at BMO before....
I say keep the politics out of football unless it relates directly to the sport (ie. racial abuse to a player, heavy handed antics to an SG, etc.)
how is that much different than me donating $500 to a team/family that is bringing in that family. ( i realise your friend is investing much more effort, but we all do what we can. If i influence 1000 people to donate $500, thats alot of much needed money)
you chip in where you can, and raising awareness is a huge part of that.
Im not disagreeing with MLSE's decision though, but i like that those guys at least tried. And got some exposure out of it.
Last edited by C.Ronaldo; 09-14-2015 at 01:28 PM.
OFFTOPIC (wee sort of)...
I really don't mean to be insensitive but we have our own issues with homelessness and the inhumane way the Native tribes are treated. How about we settle those first before tackling another issue? Or how about we put more money into the pension of those that fought in wars to keep our country safe (afterall, if it wasn't for them fighting to keep us free, these refugees wouldn't have a place to go). I don't mean to come across as an arsehole but Canada has it's own issues to deal with.
ON TOPIC...
I'm glad political stuff gets taken down. Footy should be a quasi escape from the outside world. In regards to the LGBTQ stuff at games I think it's different. Throwing up a rainbow flag helps that closet LGBTQ player show that even though he feels so alone, we are with them. I wouldn't be surprised if someone within or organization was LGBTQ and has been hiding it for fear they'd get shunned by the team or fans.
Since a team in our league (and the league as a whole by extension for allowing them in) endorses state sponsored terrorism and mass human rights violations, does this now mean it's an issue relevant to us as a club? I would hope so.
Last edited by molenshtain; 09-14-2015 at 01:32 PM.
I've always felt uncomfortable with troops stuff at sporting events. It doesn't ruin my experience or anything but I would be lying to say that it doesn't bother me. I just figured I'm the only person like that though so I just try to ignore it and move on.
hasn't really been an issue up to now, nor is it an issue in the PL where their "other" (lol) team is......personally I go to the games (and watch sports in general) as a way to break from this stuff.....but I guess people will find politics in anything......just make sure no banner is blocking my view.....
I'd love for it to be an escape, and until this season MLS was exactly that for me. Much more so than European football specifically because the clubs and the institution of the league as a whole had a certain moral standing I could get behind. But Now to be a season ticket holder and consumer of this league, I'm forced to give money to those people. That doesn't do something to your conscience?
The same reason capo stands were back yesterday. MLSE is not as accountable for Canada games and the security is entirely different. Different training and for the most part different personnel.
FORMER FULL TIME KOOL-AID DRINKER
nope im the same, were not the US.
I think it's worth mentioning that the first sign at the Canada game read: Refugees Welcome
THe sign yesterday read: Refugees Welcome.ca
There is a massive difference in messaging when linking to a website that has an agenda and calls out political parties by name.
Good point. Missed that.
This is spot on. Best post yet. All of it. Not to mention, if we do go outside our borders, there are a shit ton of people suffering in many other parts of the world. Read: Africa. Forever.
We have a responsibility to do everything we possibly can as global citizens but these aren't issues that can be boiled down to talking points that can't possibly be realized.
That's how I feel.
That is a huge difference IMO.
There is a time and a place for politics. Football is inclusive, that means people of differing political stripes should feel welcome.
MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto
The security was not briefed properly. That we can say for sure.
It seems your sign got more attention for it, though.
FORMER FULL TIME KOOL-AID DRINKER
Posting Permissions
