LAFC asked that all of the fans and supporters work to hold each other accountableGETTY IMAGES
LAFC will kick out fans and revoke season tickets from those who participate in an offensive goal kick chant. LAFC President & Owner Tom Penn and fan group 3252 Independent Supporters Union President Josef Zacher voiced opposition to an anti-gay chant that came out during opposing team goal kicks at the team’s first game at the $350M Banc of California Stadium. “The offensive goal kick chant is wrong and not what we are about. We ask that all of our fans and supporters work to hold each other accountable to eliminate this from Banc of California Stadium,” said Mann and Zacher in a joint statement. The pair said they want a welcoming and inclusive fan experience at the new downtown L.A. stadium. Some Mexican and Mexican-American soccer fans have long chanted ‘puto’, a gay slur, at opposing goalkeepers during goal kick (Mike Sunnucks, Staff Writer). LAFC supporters groups have come out strongly against the chant. District 9 Ultras: "The District 9 Ultras and @LAFC3252 have a zero tolerance standard in regard to derogatory chants. If you are caught joining any chant that is derogatory, you will be immediately disaffiliated from the D9U, and we will ensure your @LAFC membership rights are revoked." The 3253: "LAFC and its Supporters will continue to actively work together to enforce a zero-tolerance policy at Banc of California Stadium. Together, let’s win in the stands" (TWITTER.com, 4/30).
NEW DIGS: PRO SOCCER USA's Brittany Pergl gave a review of Banc of California Stadium, noting parking prices "were pretty steep." That being said, public transit or rideshare options were "readily available" and were "utilized by many" for the venue's debut Sunday. Entry into the stadium "was a breeze." Food and beverage prices were "within the normal range" for an L.A. stadium, and there were "enough options that the lines weren’t unreasonably long." There was also "free wi-fi available in the stadium for all fans in attendance." Pergl: "One thing that impressed me was the diversity of the crowd and the music in the stadium." Few atmospheres have so "appropriately addressed" the L.A. audience. Pergl: "Finding my seat was one of the few things I had an issue with." The individual section numbers were "only posted on the interior of the sections, rather than in the main aisleway." Pergl: "One thing I was disappointed in was hearing the offensive goalkeeper chant." It seemed to "occur on both sides of the stadium" when Sounders GK Stefan Frei took a goal kick. The team has since "issued a zero tolerance statement on this chant," and hopefully they "follow through on their stance against it" (PROSOCCERUSA.com, 5/1).
SETTING A RECORD: LAFC set a record for per-cap sales for an MLS regular-season match for the inaugural game at Banc of California Stadium, according to Fanatics. LAFC had also previously set an MLS record for opening weekend expansion team merchandise sales on Feb. 24-25, when its items were first available for purchase (Ian Thomas, Staff Writer).
