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MLS investigating Crew-Revolution incident

Email|Link|Comments (6) Posted by Frank Dell'Apa, Globe Staff May 28, 2008 07:09 PM

The MLS is considering disciplinary action regarding spectator problems during the Revolution's win at Columbus Saturday. “We are investigating reports of incidents from the May 24 match between the Columbus Crew and New England Revolution and will take appropriate action based on our findings," MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a league-issued statement.

A video recorded objects being thrown and racial epithets being shouted at Revolution players after Kheli Dube scored in the 89th minute. "We are deferring to MLS and its investigation of the matter," the Revolution stated in a news release.

A section of Crew Stadium near the corner flag opposite the Crew bench has become a focal point of controversy after the fervent fan groups were relocated there this season to make room for stage setup behind the goal. Spectators in the section showered Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston with streamers and other objects, including beer and smoke bombs, on corner kicks during the Revolution's 1-0 win over the Crew Saturday.

The relocation of the supporter groups has enable and encouraged exceptionally rowdy behavior.

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6 comments so far...

They can take our flags and streamers...

but they can never take...

OUR FREEDOM!!!

Posted by GOREVS3000 May 28, 08 08:22 PM

lets go revsssss

Posted by john jay May 29, 08 05:30 AM

What is it about soccer that seems to push the average fan into a psychotic state of mind? Same thing in England. The NFL goes over there and everyone is on their best behaviour, but a soccer game has a bad call and the ref's being chased out of the building. Now it's spreading to Columbus. Uh-oh.

Posted by matt May 29, 08 06:51 AM

The stadium security did nothing to at all while the fans behavior became more and more hostile all game. It's no accident that this escalated into an incident that has embarrassed the Crew, their supporters and MLS.

Throwing streamers is festive and not a problem in itself, but when it is allowed to escalate to extremes, it provides cover to those troublemakers who intend far more dangerous and hostile acts.

Posted by Bob May 29, 08 09:09 AM

Has there been any follow up to the reports of batteries being thrown? If that happened, in addition to racial epithets, the Crew should come down hard on their fans, and the MLS should come down extremely hard on the Crew. US soccer does not need this.

Posted by formerly of Ohio May 30, 08 05:23 PM

Frank, any more news on this? I was one of just over a dozen Revs fans actually out in Columbus, and we could very clearly see what was being thrown. But we didn't know about the video and the other incident till we got back. So just curious if there's been anything else since from MLS?

Posted by Monty June 2, 08 06:11 PM