Why Don Garber Is Wrong and Flares Are OK to Play With; Otherwise Known as, MLS Rejecting True Soccer Passion
By: David | June 1st, 2007Another, Garber bashing post. It would seem this is Garber bashing week, but rather this is an ongoing feud (more internal than anything, so do not laugh too hard) I have had with the commissioner. It is getting to the point that I am planning on writing him a letter. But then again would he even read it, I am a fan and it seems the MLS is not made for customer service or listening to the ideas of the fan.
Wait a second, I am getting off track here. This is not about my personal vendetta with Don Garber, rather this is a post about why it is OK to play with flares and smoke bombs. When watching soccer outside of the United States, the passion of the sport is shown through the fans and their constant cheering and support of their teams. The players respond to this and at times play far better, then when there is no support.
But the MLS does not like fan support, why else is there no one in the stands? Hold on, I am getting ahead of myself once again. This is about flares.
Basically, what I am trying to say is that it is ludicrous we ban flares in the stadiums. They add a certain flair to the game.
Example 1, Independiente of Argentina:
Example 2, Colo-Colo of Chile:
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Category: Team News
Tags: Argentina, Chile, chivas usa, Colo-Colo, Don Garber, Fans, Flares, Independiente, MLS Analysis, MLS and the Media, Team NewsSubscribe
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Comments
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Burning anything in the stands sounds like a horrible idea, but I’ll admit it certainly looks hella cool and I love to watch them.
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United States
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Was there a particular statement Garber made that prompted this? I agree, by the way, and it’s absurd MLS uses fan pyro in its marketing campaigns and yet works to stop fans doing it at the same time.
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United States -
I have never seen flares lit up in Anfield, yet the world over Liverpool fans are acknowledged as among the best at creating an atmosphere and supporting their team.
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United States -
its all about covering their asses in the case someone gets hurt. keep in mind we live in a nation where some people sue people for a living.
on the other hand, the flares and other items that make the fans look awesome could be a key marketing point for the MLS. i mean, where else can you find a total fan experience?
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United States -
Tom, I do not know if Garber has said anything directly, but I sure like to rag on him and if I ever had the chance I have a ton of questions for the man….but as for the entire league, I remember one of the east coast teams banning flairs and ultra groups, which would mean it was coming from up top (garber).
Micah, well anything looks cool and liverpool might be the best fan supporters, but the flares in south America and Italy make the Ultras look awesome.
Clint, now you see what I saw…it might not be safe, but damn does it look f*cking great.
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Eric, you hit it on the head. The problem is the lawsuits….but at the same time the marketing capabilities of this would be huge.
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This is about the lamest thing I’ve read today. You can’t use flares, boo f****** hoo. This ain’t Argentina or Chile, it’s the US. Come up with your own damn way of supporting a team and stop ripping off fans around the world. I’ve been to several games in Argentina and am a HUGE River Plate fan, and the fans are exciting and passionate as anyone I’ve ever seen, but I don’t want to see a piss weak version of it in the states.
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Thanks CM for the comment!!!!
I am just trying to look at the state of fans in the MLS right now, and with Independiente and Boca Jrs. (one of the best teams in the world) showing their pride in this way, it would be pretty cool to see that here. Or at least, to see the MLS accept some of our supporters groups.
But thanks again for the comment, we need more dialog like this.
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The US is so risk averse there is no way you’ll be able to hold a burning flare at any sporting event. This isn’t a MLS things. Have you ever held a burning flare? Last time I checked they spit hot crap all over the place. Forget this one.
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United States -
They might spit “hot crap” everywhere, but at the same time, there is such an aversion by the MLS for Supporters groups, it would seem that confetti is illegal.
Basically what I am trying to look at is the fact that Ultras are really looked down upon by the MLS, even though, they bring in a lot of attention and excitement to the game. My question is why is there such an aversion to Ultras in the US?
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Are you guys seriously upset about this? Flares are banned in many prominent leagues including England and Germany (I think) for a reason. Two leagues that do have flares are the Italian and Turkish leagues where fans are absolutely out of control and cross the line from passion to pure idiocy and hooliganism. Oh and how about the countless times when flares are thrown on the field disrupting play and/or hitting players and injuring them?
You’re arguing that flares would better the atmosphere but at the same time you openly admit that fan support is not at the same level as in Argentina or wherever. Flares aren’t going to fix this. Flares are so popular in South America precisely because the fans are so intense. The fans were like that before flares came about, they just supplement their fervor. Flares aren’t going to suddenly fix the atmosphere in MLS. Also the Colo-Colo video is absolute chaos. The players aren’t pumped as much as they are scared of flares raining down on them while half the stadium can’t see because of all the smoke. MLS rejecting true soccer passion? You’re having a laugh. True “soccer” passion has been around since before flares were ever used by fans. If anything flares take attention away from the most important thing which is the match itself. Fans should be a support to the players, not a distraction.
Oh and by the way, those cool Italian ultras you were talking about..are you including the racist fascist saluting ultras of Lazio and some other clubs? Those dirty bastards are an embarassment to soccer fans around the world regardless of how nice of a light show they put on.
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V, Maybe Italy was not the right example to use, and I too am ashamed of them, especially where I am Jewish. They are a disgrace and a negative impact on the soccer community throughout the world. And you are also right about fan involvement existing before the use of flares and the success of certain supporters groups not using them.
But, and this is a big BUT, the MLS has proven to have such a negative response to supporters Groups, that a post like this was needed. Understandably, flares might not be the right tool to be used, however, they do produce dialogue and it is something to talk about. I think it is more of the fact that there is a lack of fan intensity in the United States, sports wide, as people just go to games to sit, talk and be seen.
There is no “fan” support and the MLS does not work toward cultivating this. In fact, it would seem that the MLS is constantly working against the fans, reducing their ability to represent their team and show their passion. There is such a fear of violence in this country, that we do not allow people to have any fun.
Try going to some of the MLS games, they are quite boring and this does not include the lack of play and talent. Maybe flares are an extreme, however, there is such a lack of enthusiasm by most fans, it would seem that we were watching an AYSO game.
I will keep brining this topic up, until Don Garber (and the rest of the MLS brass) reach out to the fans and work with them. I have seen no indication that the MLS cares about the fans. Actually, I do not even know what the MLS wants!
My tirade is over for now, as I am just continuing the beat this thing into the ground and instead of providing a solution, I too am just complaining. Yet, we do need dialogue and we do need need some action!
Posted from
United States
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