Posted by: Ben in Untagged on
Aug 19, 2008
When Section 8 Chicago first approached the Chicago Fire regarding the allegations of racism at Toyota Park, we were obviously very disappointed in the club’s initial reaction. So disappointed that we felt we had to follow through with our plans for a silent protest at the game on August 16th. And while the team may have lost to D.C. United, the ISA truly hopes and believes that the overall result of voicing our concerns will be positive.
Posted by: Administrator in Untagged on
Aug 16, 2008
In order to address some of the inaccuracies and misconceptions related to the current situation between Fire fans (as represented by the Section 8 Chicago ISA) and the Chicago Fire Soccer Club (as well as their contracted representatives, Toyota Park and Monterrey Security), we have prepared this FAQ -- a set of the most frequent questions recieved and their answers.
The ISA wishes to remain as transparent and clear in their representation as possible, in order to foster its maximum effectiveness in reaching a satisfactory conclusion.
*** PLEASE CHECK BACK REGULARLY AS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WILL BE UPDATED ***
What exactly happened to Sector Latino on August 2nd against Chivas?
Posted by: Benjamin Kumming in OpEd on
Aug 15, 2008
Monterrey Security’s racially motivated inequitable treatment of Hispanic Fire fans is unacceptable. Now that I’ve said that, I can move on. What is needed on the part of supporters now, if they do truly want a resolution to the problem, is patience and reason.
Fire supporters are, rightfully, willing to take action, and the planned protest should go forth as scheduled. However, after that, everyone needs to take a slow deep breath.
Posted by: Tom Dunmore in Untagged on
Aug 14, 2008
Following last Saturday's Fire-Chivas game, the leadership of Sector Latino -- a supporters' group affiliated to Section 8 Chicago -- approached Ben Burton, ISA Chairman, and told him Sector Latino had received racial abuse from the security at Toyota Park. After a public meeting was held with Sector Latino and Fire fans on Wednesday, August 6th, about the issue, meetings were scheduled this week with the Chicago Fire.
On Monday, Ben Burton, Walter Arredondo of Sector Latino and myself met with several members of the Fire staff, Toyota Park staff, and a Village of Bridgeview official to detail the events of the previous game, and the numerous other problems Sector Latino have had as Walter explained they had been targeted by Monterrey Security since their emergence in 2005. The details of that meeting are posted here.
A second meeting was held last night at Toyota Park. Below is a full report.
Posted by: Tom Dunmore in Section 8 on
Aug 07, 2008
What is it like to be part of one of the Fire's most dedicated, positive and vibrant supporters' groups and yet to face continual, racially motivated abuse from security at Toyota Park? Ask Sector Latino, who have been targeted since their emergence in 2005 by Monterrey Security, and who received disgraceful racist abuse from guards at the last home game against Chivas USA.
Following this, Section 8 Chicago called a series of meeting to explore the details of the situation and put together a course of action to resolve the problem. In sum, it was determined that Section 8 must stand in solidarity with SL and that Monterrey's racist guards can no longer be present in the section.
Backdraft was present and offers a full report on proceedings below.
Posted by: Tom Dunmore in Chicago Fire Academy on
Aug 05, 2008
Last weekend, the Fire's developmental team the Super 20s headed to the national championship finals in Virginia Beach. One of their defenders, Greg Klazura from Rockford, has an exclusive account of events in the championships for Section 8.
Posted by: Pola Henderson in Untagged on
Aug 01, 2008
With Chad Barrett gone and Brian McBride in China, we'll be getting to know Tomasz Frankowski pretty well on the field in the upcoming month. So Backdraft decided to catch up with Tomasz off the field as well, as he explains his finishing philosophy, life in Chicago, and his biggest mistake. Read the interview in both English and Polish.
An interview with Tomasz Frankowski. A Polish translation is also available.
Backdraft 
