A day after Rapids G Tim Howard "received a three-game ban for a pair of incidents" involving Sporting KC fans, the MLS Players Union "shifted some of the blame to security at Children's Mercy Park," according to Sam McDowell of the K.C. STAR. The union in a statement called the security at Children's Mercy Park last weekend "wholly inadequate to protect players and fans." A video showed Howard and a Sporting KC fan "exchanging profanities during the match" on April 9, each of them "using the f-word." After the game, Howard was "also involved in an altercation with a fan as he was leaving the field." MLS "referenced both incidents in announcing the three-game suspension Friday." The players union wrote, "Tim takes responsibility for his actions, but MLS needs to do the same and send a clear message that it is committed to creating a safe experience not only for its fans but for its players, too." Sporting KC President Jake Reid said, "We put safety first and foremost at Children's Mercy Park. If we ever felt at any time safety was a concern, we would have changed a policy or an action a long time ago." Reid: "We're one of five clubs that has a dedicated security team on staff full-time. That should tell you the level of seriousness we take with this stuff at the stadium" (K.C. STAR, 4/16). The DENVER POST noted MLS and all 22 clubs have "taken the pledge" with the "Don't Cross the Line" campaign, which is "dedicated to supporting the communities where we live and play our games, and to providing an environment in which our staff, clubs, players, partners and supporters are treated with dignity and respect" (DENVER POST, 4/15).
