Fire's decision to revoke supporter group's tickets has resulted in the stadium becoming much quieterGETTY IMAGES
The Fire's recent sale of 49% of club shares to billionaire investor Jose Mansueto has been "overshadowed by a supporters groups revolt after the team revoked the season tickets for one of those groups, Sector Latino, for violations of the league code of conduct," according to Orrin Schwarz of the Chicago DAILY HERALD. Fire President & GM Nelson Rodriguez said, "I accept that there are signs of fans who disagree with me, but I don't lose any sleep over the decision we made. We will never compromise fan safety, and this is an issue of fan safety." However, the club's decision to "revoke the tickets of an entire Toyota Park section" has "come at a price." The stadium is "quieter on game day," and its "atmosphere has changed." There is "less energy," which could be a "reason for the losing streak" in their last four MLS matches. Late in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Toronto FC, some fans "defied the ban and returned to the empty section" where Sector Latino used to "stand and cheer and bang on drums." One fan, who had a "ticket for the adjacent section," was injured in a "clash with security." Rodriguez: "We have to review that incident." The Fire have "more difficult decisions to make," as many fans are "unhappy" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 7/26).
