Truth & Rumors > Soccer
Disgruntled fans protest Toronto FC
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08:30 AM ET 06.09 | The once-happy marriage between Toronto FC management and thousands of its fans is being strained to the point of a possible divorce. But the target of much of the ire, general manager Mo Johnston, received a vote of confidence from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd., yesterday. A revolt from three of the main supporters clubs came to a head during Saturday's third straight team loss, underlining discontent about an expensive friendly with Real Madrid, the turf problems at BMO Field and the perceived lack of progress by Johnston in his third year with the club. Top officials from the Red Patch Boys, North End Elite and U Sector maintain they're still behind the players -- prompting them to call a Friday meeting with coach Chris Cummins and team captain Jim Brennan to tip them about Saturday's protest and assure them the action was levelled at management. In attendance on Friday was director of business operations Paul Beirne, who'd helped foster the strong ties with an estimated 16,000 season-ticket holders since 2007, but listened to the three groups' complaints. On Saturday, most of the 500-strong Red Patch Boys didn't wear team colours, were noticably absent from their loud south stands perch at the start of the game, displayed a huge banner mocking MLSEL's losing sports properties and staged a Gate 3 protest after the 2-1 defeat to Los Angeles. The smaller NEE club, joined the RPB in hiding their red gear and walked out en masse after the national anthems. A mix of U Sector also participated in both actions.
Mo Johnston, Getty Images
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Comments (22) Add A Comment
Vote of confidence = kiss of death.
Well, well, well - honeymoon is over for TFC it looks like. Let's see if they stay behind the players/team as the losing continues.
Zizou10
Total Comments (3416)
Soo the MLSE curse expands to soccer. Man, sometimes, I really wish I was from Boston. I'd be such a happier sports fan.
dannylimes
Toronto, ON
Total Comments (112)
The curse will only truly expand to soccer if they sell 85% of the seats, including every single seat you can see on TV, to corporations who give them to suits as a business event, then they don't show up til what is effectively the 3rd period, about 70 minutes in... sit quietly, and ruin the atmosphere... right now, at least the fans can still experience the game live, instead of driving to Buffalo ;-)
BuffaloTF
Total Comments (2429)
Come on now nobody wants to be a Revoluscum. Be happy you're not one of "those".
SouthSideFire
Total Comments (69)
This was almost inevitable with Mo in charge.
kopper
Total Comments (1787)
I think it is pretty hilarious--and encouraging--that the supporters are reacting with this much passion! I hope their passion does not wane.
BlueWhiteLion
Total Comments (449)
Johnston's good for about 18-24 months, then he has to move on. And by move on, I mean be fired.
TFC should bring in a new GM ASAP.
naxself
Fort Worth , TX
Total Comments (911)
Wow--this kinda thing only happens in Europe--so one thought...
D-Wreck
Total Comments (6977)
About time ... I can only see that much passion from supporters of a few clubs up there. Hopefully it will catch on at others.
Raven1971
Manaus, BR
Total Comments (907)
this is awesome that we have fans revolting! they should make this into a tv drama...
CUtiger: Santon, The…
Washington, DC
Total Comments (997)
I was thinking the same thing. But I'm also wondering exactly what the TFC fans expect too...
PootieTang: La…
Total Comments (3879)
Their team is loaded by MLS standards, and for the most part MoJo has done a decent job putting it together by trades and drafts. I have to say this might be falling on the coaching staff. Nothing else makes any sense.
Buck Feckham
Total Comments (1737)
Toronto fans seem to be a different breed of fan than most other cities. They seem to be die hard about every team.
Does anyone know what exactly they are angry about?
Come On You Spurs
Total Comments (55)
Too much Labatts can make anyone upset...
D-Wreck
Total Comments (6977)
Awwww... I thought this was going to be an article about the TFC fans being upset that they have been told to stop throwing so much toilet paper on the field...
Seriously though- I think the level of fandom they live out is pretty cool and makes for a great atmosphere. I love being at well-attended games with some passionate fans.
I wish the Fire could step it up just a bit. Section 8 is a great place to be in or around as long as it is well-attended.
rhuss: Stop Counter!
Chicago , IL
Total Comments (1505)
As well it should. Labatt's is a crap beer.
I thought Tranna would be one of the better teams in the east. Don't know what effect fan protests will have, if any, but I like the passion. Much better than the psuedo-hooliganism from earlier this season.
TLVG: Free Diego!!!
Las Vegas , NV
Total Comments (4442)
Come on now nobody wants to be a Revoluscum. Be happy you're not one of "those".
DAMN RIGHT!!!! WELL SAID SOUTHSIDE FIRE!!!!
DRENK
Total Comments (91)
Being Canadian alone would give me a reason to be angry. Especially if I was French Canadian. Oui, oui.
SoccerUnderground
Total Comments (1803)
I must say, I think the FO did a decent job with player acquisition. DeRo for James is a steal. Guevara has been fantastic. They need some help up front, Vitti hasn't been the answer, and forwards who can score are always in short supply.
Maybe call EJ?
TrueCrew
Columbus , OH
Total Comments (17)
I know: Ruiz!
D-Wreck
Total Comments (6977)
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