I really hope the Fire Organization gets on top of this. I would hate to have the club that I love being associated as a racist. The FO knows about the situation and if nothing is done on their part to end racism towards their customers then we have no choice then to hit them where it hurts.......

their pocketbooks.

How it's gone on this far with everyone in the organisation passing the buck is very dissappointing and saddening.

It seems particularly ironic when Monterrey Security, who has been targeting Sector Latino,was founded and is headed by a buddy (and personal bodyguard) of Blanco....that's a real headscratcher!

Racism is ignorance.

Unfortunately,
it is common place to have racism shown within one's race.
It's just no one has brought a national spotlight to it....yet.

Zero tolerance means we can't turn a blind eye. Racism has no equal, and deserves no negotiations.

"We are all Sector Latino"

I think they have to act, I think all I have heard from the TP so far sounds a tad bit like blame the victim. Whatever happened after the game does not equal the treatment SL has recieved since 05'. The Fire has to act against the racist security agency. The complaints they will recieve for supporting racists will be devastating to the future growth of the active fan base. There has been a significant increase in season ticket holders from this year compared to last, and if they expect it to continue they have stomp out this plague...

"I am Sector Latino"

Racism should not be tolerated in any way, shape, or form... Isn't it ironic how the owner of MS is in fact mexican himself and allows his staff and company be little and racially harass his own people?? This company in its entirety has been demeaned as being low class and unprofessional... I hope with all of my might that situation is defused and resolved properly and accordingly... Awante Mi Banda!!!

"YO SOY SECTOR LATINO"

This cant go on and i applaud S8 on their actions. I am behind them 100%



"SOY SECTOR LATINO HASTA LA MUERTE"

What can I, as a season ticket-holder who does not sit in 117 or 118, do to help support all of the supporter's groups on the day of the protest?

Dave, join our email list (Join US at the top of the page) as we'll be putting out details as soon as we can. The ISA had a meeting with the team yesterday and another tomorrow.

If necessary, we will be making a banner for the game. We'll need people and money to do it, so either helps. On Saturday, again if necessary, we want to get people to gather together in support and in silence. We'll also need people to spread the word in other sections as to why we're silent.

We'll do our best to keep you posted.

The Fire couldn't buy what section 8 brings to the games. Ultimately, S8 may have to remove themselves for a game and watch the atmosphere and attendance drop. Racism is antisoccer, anti-everything worthwhile, and just plain stupid. Perhaps a more direct contact with Haupman is in order.

I watched a SL member throw a plastic soda bottle at a Monterrey guard during the Chivas game. It should be noted that respect needs to flow both ways.

There's no place for racism in football, here in the UK we've battled it for years.
Check out this webiste http://www.kickitout.org/1.php.

Might also be worth getting some Anti-Racist shirts and all the members wear them to one game.

Sad day for sure....

But nothing has changed for the better with Monterrey since day one..... and sadly until they are gone I feel as though nothing will change.

Here's hoping it does though....

You are making a HUGE mistake by trying to portray this as a racism. It isn't, and the Fire only need to point out the large numbers of Hispanic FAMILIES that attend their games as proof.

Yes, Monterey security is unprofessional and has been known to be over-the-top. But the issue is THUG-ism, whereby they get a free pass to intimidate anyone they choose. Yes, they've got it in for SL, no question about it, but since they aren't out harassing the public, you guys need to get a clue.

Or don't get a clue. Its up to you, but you are going to have a hell of a time pinning anti-Hispanic racism on a firm based in the 25th ward (which is Pilsen and Taylor Street, if you don't where that is) called "Monterey Security" (Monterey is a city in northern Mexico, if you don't know where that is) that hires mostly Mexican-American personnel.

So give that some consideration before you decide to stroll down Jessee Jackson lane and make fools of yourselves using language like "profiling", which can be easily disproved by simple observation at the gate.

If you have issues with security, confine it to conduct of the offending individuals, and leave the chip on your shoulder at home.

Shut Up YIKES!!!!! I think we know they're based in Pilsen u idiot.... And what monterey means...Maybe you should do your research before You say something on here... read up on Juan Gaytan and da company's relationship with the Hispanic Democratic Organization... HDO!!!!! If You don't know anything about the HDO, It was started by AL Sanchez.... AL Sanchez!!!!!!! Now if you know nothing about AL Sanchez and his political ties and crookedness, you can call yourslef ignorant... So once again YIKES, do your research before you say anything....

Hummm, Yikes speaks common sense and gets attacked for it? Get real, the racism claim here is ridiculous and SL is not innocent in this matter. I have seen the conduct in their section and they have some cleaning up to do. I cannot believe the charge managed to get press in the Tribune.

As to the rest of the rant about political connections that means absolutely ZERO in the context we are discussing, which is RACISM! What a politically connected Hispanic can be racist and a non-politically connected Hispanic cannot? The racist charge is oft the refuge of the rascal and it appears to be so is in this case.

As to the rest of section 8. Do NOT overestimate your impact on the club. Yes, you bring atmosphere to the stadium but not all of it is good atmosphere. Your conduct is getting more and more out of hand as the season and the Fire go on. Your financial impact in the cheap seats where you often come already inebriated and spend little at the concessions is way less than a much smaller group in the more expensive seats. There is a tipping point where you start driving more lucrative fans away and you become an economic drag on the club. You are pushing perilously close to that point.

Don't bother to respond with insults. Insults from people who know zilch about business and are operating on emotion aren't worth raising my blood pressure. But if they make you fell better go ahead since like this topic it is all about how you feel. You people need to read the parable about the boy who cried wolf. You have been doing it for far too long and risk losing all credibility with the Fire organization and your fellow fans.

From a season ticket holder

"Your conduct is getting more and more out of hand as the season and the Fire go on"

OK, I'd like to see some examples. There were beer throwing incidents at the beginning, but we've made an effort to self-police on that front, and the incidents have almost stopped. There has been less pyro than in past seasons. What happened at the Chivas game started because of a ticketing conflict which was not the section's fault.

From a season ticket holder.

Yikes: SL have reported they received racist abuse and have multiple witnesses. They have reported the guard's number to the Fire. Nothing has been done. In general, Monterrey are targeting SL differently from other group in Section 8, from regular searches when they go in that other fans at the gates do not receive, tailing them around and calling them 'spics' and 'wetbacks'. The fact Monterrey operate out of Pilsen and are owned by Juan Gayton is neither here nor there.

"Fire fan": What are SL guilty of that deserves racist abuse? What does it matter how much we spend on concessions in terms of the treatment Section 8 receives? Since when did a lack of economic spending power justify discriminatory practices? We are also paying customers deserving of equal respect, however much we pay for our seats.

@fire fan season ticket holder

Lets strip the discussion of its political over analysis and look how the Fire has reacted to our claims. We presented them our concerns about aggressive security, racial comments, and the organzational miscommunication that sparks them in the first place. Their response was to refuse to acknowledge the racist acts, continue to enforce a ticket policy that creates conflict, and sided with security over their customers. A security force that chooses the misinformed heavy hand over reason virtually every single time, and then wonders why people are angry.

This organization that acts in such a way while exploiting our commitment for their own marketing ends. No credibility with them? Fine by me.

We are season ticket holders just like you. The amount of money I pay for my tickets should not determine my treatment or safety, especially by those employees hired to keep me safe.

We shall see if you are right. Maybe we will vote with our dollars and few will notice we are gone. However, I am certain those who do notice will follow us out the door, and there will be more where they came from.

I wonder if those who are saying that we are blowing this out of porportion would say the same thing if this had happened to a supporter group made up of Mid-West All-Amercan Anglo supporters.


Think about it, a security company owned by a Mexican American doing this to real Americans. Would this make our case seem justified?

but since it's a Latino supporter group being singled out by a minority owned company, eh....who cares. Right???


This is no longer a Monterrey Security issue. This is now a Fire front office issue.

Being called a spic and wetback is not a term of affection.

Get real, the racism claim here is ridiculous (were you standing there when security called SL what they did? that IS NOT ridiculous, that is real) and SL is not innocent in this matter(no one said that anyone was any kind of little lamb--but when are racial slurs appropriate methods of crowd control?). I have seen the conduct in their section (our section? Right....so stay in your own and there's no prob) and they have some cleaning up to do (celaning up of what, and why? Without citing something, you have nothing). I cannot believe the charge managed to get press in the Tribune (you're right, no one takes interest in racism in a town with such a large minority population....wake up, this ain't Iowa).

As to the rest of the rant about political connections that means absolutely ZERO in the context we are discussing(WRONG. DEAD WRONG), which is RACISM (those who are connected oft times have safeguards to make things like this dissappear; whether they are at the top of the pecking order or the bottom)! What a politically connected Hispanic can be racist and a non-politically connected Hispanic cannot (I bet they could be, but that isn't the context in which we are speaking)? The racist charge is oft the refuge of the rascal and it appears to be so is in this case (appears....again, you were not there, so you wouldn't know--and if you wree there, you either didn't hear or see anything, right?).

As to the rest of section 8. Do NOT overestimate your impact on the club (no one is, we are using solidarity as a group to raise a concern that is being not only ignored, but outright dismissed by those who were given a mandate from the MLS front office regarding the stance they should take on racism at the park and in their club-0-and they are choosing to ignore that mandate). Yes, you bring atmosphere to the stadium but not all of it is good atmosphere. Your conduct is getting more and more out of hand as the season and the Fire go on (like what? provide examples, or this is baseless speculation. There have been fewer ejections and incidents in the sectino this year--and that is even with a drastic influx of non-Section 8 people; so again, you have no real valid claim here). Your financial impact in the cheap seats where you often come already inebriated (sometimes, yeah) and spend little at the concessions (good beer ain't cheap there--you're right) is way less than a much smaller group in the more expensive seats (we don't even use the seats anyways....that's why the more expensive seats are that much nicer--so you can be docile cattle and do nothing all match long and bring nothing to the club but the money for your seats--nice to know that's how you're viewed by the organization? because you are just as replaceable, so there's another worthless argument on your part.). There is a tipping point where you start driving more lucrative fans away and you become an economic drag on the club (we simply inspire other people and a different breed of fan--you must not be a part of that, and it's ok--our style is not for everyone; but I honestly doubt that the team would ever want no Section 8-like fans. If you think they wouldn't, you're mistaken) You are pushing perilously close to that point (unless you work for them, how would you know? But thanks for the warning, dad.).

Don't bother to respond with insults (wouldn't dream of wasting my time). Insults from people who know zilch about business and are operating on emotion aren't worth raising my blood pressure (wow.....you must be a guru.....a key driver in a lot of business beyond calculation is emotion and relationships....you must have skipped that day in Harvard MBA, right?). But if they make you fell better go ahead since like this topic it is all about how you feel (again....not simply about how we feel--but your mind is made up, so no one will try to dissuade you). You people (I love the phrase "you people")need to read the parable about the boy who cried wolf. You have been doing it for far too long (how long have you been around, and why bother to consistently immerse yourself in our "cry-wolf" issue then? Unless you have some vested interest on some side of the argument) and risk losing all credibility with the Fire organization and your fellow fans (you sir, are not a fellow fan of mine--you may like the club--and spending all your money in the lap of luxury seats [as you seemed to want to point out], but you do not support your fellow fans--and although the people in the FO may fail us, the badge never will).

From a season ticket holder

"I watched a SL member throw a plastic soda bottle at a Monterrey guard during the Chivas game. It should be noted that respect needs to flow both ways."

I also saw a young white male throw a plastic bottle at a guard as well. It should be noted that the race or ethnicity of the individual has nothing to do with the bottle throwing itself.

This whole story breaks my heart, and it is such a shame that the Fire FO has turned its back on such a serious issue, only to turn its own fans against each other. Believe me when I say this is only the beginning of a very ugly division between Fire fans. A gap is growing between the more vocal supporters and the rest of the fans, and what was once admiration of S8 will turn in to resent, disgust, and false judgments. At a time when the Fire had a chance to unite all fans, rally around a positive cause, and do justice where justice must be served, they have only gone to deepen wounds and create tension between patrons.

To the Fire players and coaches, and hard working staff members across the organization, and to the fans that truly care about this club, I salute you and stand by you. To the rest of the organization, your failure to rise above this issue will bleed for a long time. My only hope is that your ignorance is not complete, and someday you will look back and recognize this, with wisdom, as the moment in which your collapse began.

I read the S8 boards from time to time, but don't post so I thought I'd post it here in the hopes that S8 members will read it (or better yet, copy it over there). I'm a season ticket holder that never misses a game. I don't sit in Section 8 (nor do I want to), but I love the atmosphere that all of you bring to the stadium. Looking at the drama that's arisen, I thought you might like an outsider's opinion.

Let me start by saying that I agree with you wholeheartedly about racism being wrong, and if Monterrey is guilty of all that you implied they should be held accountable for their employees' actions.

However, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about accomplishing something.

Maybe I don't have all the facts (in fact, I'm sure I'm missing something), but from what I've read on the S8 boards over the past few days, I still have a hard time understanding why you are unwilling to meet with the head of Monterrey over the issue. And if you're not already aware, that is the first response of pretty much everyone reading the Tribune article with no prior knowledge of the situation. In my mind, the logical course of action would be to first meet with Monterrey, and only if that meeting proved unproductive then approach the Fire FO. The fact that you're not willing to meet with them may as well be bold, underlined, and in size 32 font, because I guarantee you it is the first thing that jumps out at everybody.

Similarly, if what you've stated is correct, you went into the Fire FO with a non-negotiable demand to have Monterrey removed from the stadium without any proof to backup those allegations. You can't expect the FO to terminate what is probably a million dollar contract based on your word. Because when it gets to the courtroom (and believe me, the security company would have reasonable cause to sue), it's just going to be your word against theirs.

Furthermore, there's the issue of safety in the stadium. You want them to remove Monterrey from your section in exchange for police (ok, understandable) or self-policing (not so understandable). You can’t expect the Fire to allow the most raucous part of the stadium to go unsupervised, or at the very least to trust a few individuals (who may have partaken in the pre-game tailgates themselves) to control a cast of thousands. I love the atmosphere you all bring to the game, but from the perspective of those of us sitting in the rest of the stadium, you are somewhat drunk and disorderly (and I say that about Section 8 as a whole, including all skin tones). I'd agree with the FO wholeheartedly about needing some form of organized security in that end of the stadium, be it Monterrey or another company.

For the sake of the club, I hope this gets resolved. And for that to happen, you're going to have to give in a little bit too. Not into the tolerance of racism, but into the offers the FO originally gave you to try to make it right (meeting with the head of Monterrey, etc). You refused what any outsider perceives as a reasonable first step in fixing things. Of course its going to get the FO's back up. Going to the media was definitely premature. In the long run I think it's only going to tarnish the name of the club you claim to love so much.

I'm sure I'm going to get torn apart the second I post this. So have at it. Just please, try to take some of it into consideration and think every angle through before (and preferably without) letting your emotions take over.

OutsidePerpective,

All your points are valid. This is why we vote to have a president and board members to act on our behalf when situations like this occur.

I have faith in them that they have tried all and every avenue in order to have this issue resolved by the Fire. The Fire have shut the door on the issue. You can contact those who went to the meeting about it.

The Fire thought we would let it go and resume to business as usual. That will never be the case when one of our own has been treated unfairly.

Though the badge may be tarnished for awhile, Remember this....

It can always be polished up back to brilliance.

I will offer up a little unsolicited advice on this matter and you can take it for what you want.

First I do not know if this really equates to racism, and I would be very careful about using that term in today’s world. I work in corporate America and I am not supprised to see the FO not admit that there is a racial issue. By admitting openly that there is a problem with race issues, they would be opening themselves up to potential liability and no one is going to admit to that problem. I know that you are very passionate about what is going on and feelings have been hurt. Hey I have had my problems with Monterrey Security as well. But I would consider this a problem with specific employees at M.S. and start there.

Second, I read your details about the meeting and you may have taken a bad approach. I must say that I am impressed that you were able to secure a meeting with Klopas in the first place, but you used the word “demanded” more than a few times. If you really took a hard line in this case, I would expect the Fire and TP to do the same. I also think that your “demands” were a bit unreasonable.

Let’s look at the first issue… Certain employees of M.S. have been acting in an unprofessional manner. I would ask that they take the following steps to insure that this does not happen in the future. You could ask that the staff undergo training on how to deal with individuals from different backgrounds. You could ask that only supervisors be stationed near S8. But to expect that TP would fire M.S. was a long shot at best. That is not how things happen in the corporate world.

Similarly you could have asked that section 117 be separated into general admission and assigned seats, and that anyone ordering tickets in that section acknowledge that they are near a supporters section.

Now before, I get flamed for my comments, realize that I am sympathetic to the situation and I like the protest that you have planned. I wish you luck with this and it will be interesting to watch this unfold.

-F-

I don't condone what security did at the last Fire home game, but I think it should be handled differently than with your specific protests. First of all, if this was going on since 2005 then why wasn't it handled then. I think a better protest, other than remaining silent and walking in together, would be to not show up at all. Since you are going to the game, you are technically still supporting the Fire organization even if you don't cheer. Also, you are drawing more attention to yourselves and showing up the players on the field(who have nothing to do with this) by remaining silent during the first half. Lastly, if the Fire organization, Monterrey or Village of Bridgeview don't want to do anything about this then Section 8 needs to take this case to a higher authority. I will be cheering as loud as I can for a Fire win tomorrow. Go Fire!

John Bosch: rule one in organizing, leave yourself the room and ability to escalate. No need to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Besides, that would be unreasonable. You say our demands are unreasonable. We don't agree. Yet, you recommend we not even come to the game. We don't agree. Why instead of othering us, not come and talk to us tomorrow before the match about what has happened? Give us and yourself a chance to meet us and see all of this for it is, in a more balanced light.

Folsom: not going to flame you, but what you have to understand is this is just the most recent incident of us being ignored by the Fire. It's not like we're protesting over season ticket prices. "Why wasn't it taken care of then?" Well, just for one, when you change Presidents and other random FOs so often -- as the Fire have (our newest President will be announced next week) continuity of concern and action between FO and supporters becomes near impossible to maintain. One of our demands is for a permanent liason between us and the club. Someone who can and will be present in the section. Someone who can witness and intervene with us or against us in these scenarios. At least the club can the option of an "objective" opinion then. We have been requesting this for ages and ages, but to no avail.

Also, models of combined policing and self-policing already exist in DC and NYs fan sections. Both of these models were introduced after those respective fan groups complained for ages about abuse of fans. Sadly, these changes were not made until fans were seriously injured in DC and some key leadership fans in NY erroniously received lifetime bans that have since been reversed.

And yes, both of these clubs cancelled multi-million dollar contrats with security firms.

Folsom: Section 117 was given to Section 8 after long and amicable off season discussion between Section 8 and the Fire FO. IT WAS DESIGNATED BEFORE THE SEASON AS A GENERAL ADMISSION SECTION. If you walked by 117 and 118 during the first two home matches of the season, you might have seen the large signs that denote this fact and make fans aware of what they can expect upon entering the section. Over the past couple of months, 117s sign has gone missing. How could the Fire have misplaced this sign you may wonder? Well, how could the Fire have possibly lost our Megabandera (see other featured article)? Who knows, but they found a way.

(continued from above)

What all of the non-S8'ers -- and I hate using that term -- should please try to understand is how equivocal the front office has been over an incredibly long stretch of time about incidents of personal injury and discrimination. They treat the issue of two-pole banners and streamers with more actual concern than our reporting of these incidents. Don't believe us? We've posted the handout they gave us at our Wednesday meeting in response to our Monday meeting. If you'll please take the time to read it, you'll see there are only boilerplate mentions against racism. They actually refused in writing to acknowledge that we have even reported incidents of racial abuse to them.

John Bosch: tons of Section 8ers have taken the time to contact nearly all of the Fire players to explain our position. We stand with the players. We don't want to offend them. We have a great relationship with many of them. They are great people, best I can tell from those I have met. That said, Blanco's comments in the Tribune were a total disgrace. He was given permission by the Fire to leave the country as he was never going to play in the Everton match and was suspended for the Chivas match, and best anyone can tell, he wasn't at the match these most recent incidents took place at.

Physical proof of these incidents was destroyed when Monterrey security guards illegally confiscated cameras -- as they've done for a great deal of time on numerous occasions. Some of you non-S 8ers are talking to us like we are having a blast, playing at being big shots, putting on a front and talking big, in over our heads with no conception of what we are dealing with. Nonsense. Our seciton is filled with non-working class and working class people alike. We don't need anyone to slow us down and explain the gravity of what we are involved in at this moment. It is the gravity of this situation that has propelled us to take such a hardline stance.

I suppose the difference for non S 8ers may be this: if any of you approached our leadership with a concern about security, we would go to lengths to help you resolve the issue and ensure your family and loved ones were safe. Don't believe me, please speak to us if you have troubles. If this racial abuse had happened outside of our section, we would be taking identical actions. Be sure of that.

Again, none of this has occured in a vacuum. All of these incidents were witnessed by dozens of people -- in this country, can't someone be convicted in a court of law through eye-witness testimony? Yes, of course. You should approach us tomorrow and try actually speaking to us, rather than viewing us from a distance. You'll meet some wonderful people, I promise you that. Also, there are dozens of families who choose the Section 8 lot over other parking lots. Not by accident I don't think.

Divisions will always exist between us, if the aforementioned remains unchecked. We are not thugs. Just because many of us drink, doesn't mean we are drunkards (many S 8ers are also immersed in corporate America and are quite successful -- as are many of us who operate outside the corporate world).

If many of you are still unconvinced, PLEASE READ THIS ARTICLE ABOUT JUAN GAYTAN AND MONTERREY SECURUTY....

IT WAS PUBLISHED FIVE YEARS AGO. One does not need a law degree to understand the notion of establishing a precedent for actions/behaviors, especially in this case:

http://www.courant.com/news/chi-0206270221jun27,0,7543369,full.story

I urge you to please read this, then perhaps ponder if some of your generalizations concerning our lives and actions are fair or in sore need of some massive revision.

Again, come speak with us, hang out with us, whatever. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

A Season Ticket Holder (who is seriously pondering not renewing his season ticket)

Sorry. It's erroneously, not "erroniously." Guess I really am a stickler for the details. My apologies.

Up until last evening, when browsing through the Chicago Tribue, I had been unaware of the racist allegations put forth by the supporters of Section 9. However, it certainly comes as no surprise. I should mention now I'm currently employed by Monterrey Security, and -- in addition to several other venues -- occassionally attend events at Toyota Park. I'll give you my account of what has transpired recently (as I don't know the entire history) and why your attempts to resolve this situation will ultimately go unheeded.

First, it's important to understand Monterrey Security doesn't have stringent requirements for weeding out the unwanted employees. What do I mean by this? I was under the impression a high school degree (at the minimum) was required, yet, I've seen kids who couldn't have been more than 15 'guarding' the field. And even though the job is simple -- monitor the fans -- it can have the potential of a lot more if something were to escalate. Teenagers whose balls haven't descended, and on the other end of the spectrum -- thug employees set on provoking trouble -- shouldn't be in a position to interact with the public.

Training (~25 hours) is required, but as anyone with any job dealing with the public knows, you learn everything on the field; not the classroom.

What I've learned from hour one is people skills are, by far, the most important part of the job. At Soldier Field I came to the realization that because I'm wearing a red polo shirt with "Monterrey Security" embroided in the back doesn't put me above any fan. I treat everyone, even those citing unreasonable complaints (ie; speakers are too loud) with the utmost respect.

These fans pay several hundred dollars of their money, as well as forsaking a significant portion of their day, to have fun. I always put this idea in my head. We're there to give the illusion of law and order. Rarely is time spent arresting or apprehending anyone.

Second issue, as previously alluded to several paragrahs prior, is Monterrey's security staff has its share of thugs. People who seemingly use the position as an excuse to harrass patrons. Not all, obviously. And I couldn't even put a percentage on it. I'm convinced they place the perceived biggest people in front of Second 8 to monitor fans. Not those most qualified to interact with fans, mind you, but those most intimidating.

This request of removing Monterrey from Section 8 is just not reasonable. Don't ask innocent here, people. How did those smoke bombs mysteriously appear in the stands, again? Or, just several weeks ago, two fans scaled the barrier and ran onto the field? For such a small percentage of the total stadium area your section has disproportionately the highest amount of trouble. Thus, more security guards.

And in case any of you haven't noticed, guards are required to have a name tag necklace worn at all times. It's blue, has their ID/name and says "Working Pass." So, next time someone throws deragotory terms at you or a close friend take note of their shirt number AND name.

Last issue here is your reaction to Monterrey's abuse. A peaceful sit in? That's hilarious. You people have NO bargaining now. You want to know why? A small percentage are season ticket holders. I heard 2-5%. You're threatening a less festive atmosphere for the Fire if nothing changes, when in reality, only money talks. You have to hit them where it fucking hurts. Don't attend the games for a half. Get the season ticket holders to do the same. Hopefully enough agree. Not only are the stands empty, but the stadium is losing money.

Another far more potent way of expressing your idea to remove Monterrey is far EVERYONE in Section 8 to run on the field. It'll make us look bad and bring national attention to the issue. Oh, yeah, and Bridgeview will have to build an additional jail to house everyone. Of course, that's extreme -- but it would be a hell of an experience.

Blanco doesn't care about your problems, either. Gaytan is friends with him.

If you guys have any questions concerning security or anything else I can answer them. I've been browsing for awhile but haven't posted until now. In all honestly, I like a large percentage of the people I work with and the job is always interesting. It has its problems, sure, as any publically exposed company dealing with the public will encounter. Just remember not to emcompass all of Monterrey, a company with several hundred members, on the actions of a few overzealous meatheads.

See you all later on tonight.

My advice is not to act like you're a legitimate organization by attempting to impose "non negotiable" terms. Everyone at Monterrey is probably laughing at this. Oh, and in case any of you are curious --The Fire, Guest Services, Toyota Park personnel; they're all friendly with Monterrey's upper tier personnel. Ive seen them interact. Why else would complaints go unanswered? It's a non issue to them.

Perhaps now with the publishing of the story you've gained a wider audience. But remember, as another poster cited earlier, it goes both ways. If you're throwing smoke bombs, running on the field or otherwise causing havoc nobody will sympathize with your plight. However, if fans are witnessing harrassment you will have your audience.

My issue with one of your provisions is, what happens if a fight breaks out in Section 8? Or something significantly worse, and because of your "no Monterrey in Section 8" proposal it isn't addressed quickly? The first question will be "where was Monterrey?"

"Or, just several weeks ago, two fans scaled the barrier and ran onto the field? For such a small percentage of the total stadium area your section has disproportionately the highest amount of trouble. Thus, more security guards."
Monterrey Employee,

Did you know that all fans that entered the field from the friendlies were from the away fans not anywhere near Section 8? The Wisla game was from their fans and the Everton game it was their fans was well.

I would look at your employee's log book about that. I bet that there hasn't been a case where a member from Section 8 ran onto the field.
I'm not talking about people who buy tickets in Section 8 for that one game.

I'm pretty sure the head honcho's will laugh at your face for the request.

We've put together an F.A.Q. to try and help keep the information clear and accurate. If we continue to get a lot of repeat questions we'll update the F.A.Q. with the questions and answers.

http://www.section8chicago.com/jm3/component/option,com_myblog/show,An-FAQ-on-the-current-ISA-Fire-situation.html/Itemid,96/

Thanks to everyone for your support.

Thanks S8 for your leadership on this issue. While I and my family do not sit in Section 8 please know that you will have our active support.

i must say, as a strong Fire supporter, this "demonstration" tonight was merely a staged performances by headless baffoons! i was emberrassed to see you SL-demonstrators acting that way. whichever genius came up with this "silent protest" idea might as well have been sitting on the DC corner. For gosh sakes,...DC sounded more united than we did! we all saw how much your silence helped our team tonight (but i guess thats not what Section 8 are for anymore). if you werent outraged by this pitiful "performance" then i would definitely question your loyalty to the club and your intelligence. SL have CLEARLY forgotten the purpose of a team supporters club. handle this directly with Toyota Park Mgmnt & their pockets. what message are you sending to anyone by sitting DUMB and unsupportive of your supposed team during the first half,...yet continue to buy their beverages and eat their food. Here in America, when you're affecting someone's pocketbooks, then and ONLY then, will you have volume in your case. This isnt meant to be racist in anyway, but rather to cause you to think before being another puppet in the crowd. just something to think about...how many of you took those Section Latino shirts not knowing the situation on hand this evening?

I was at this game and they broke the back rest on the bench we were sitting on. It was awesome!

Cristiano,

Apparently our protest of doing nothing was enough to piss you off.
You say that our protest did nothing to help the team. You might want to pass this along to the front office. They seem to agree with you that Section 8 means nothing to the front office. I mean...what do we bring to the table. Apparently a lot. Thank you for pointing it out.

As for hitting them in their pocket books? Ask the front office how much sales were down at this game compared to those before with the same numbers. I would just take a wild guess they were just a bit down than usual. They will continue to go further down at each game.

Please forward your complaint that our protest hurt the team to the front office. The atmosphere the Fire loves to promote was gone. You better get used to it if they continue to drag their feet on the issue.

Better yet, You should get fifty of your friends and start your own supporter section. You try to bring drums and banners to the games but you must follow their rules. You don't like what we doing then do something about it like.....Protesting the Protest against racism towards supporter groups from security and having the front office ignore you. Please do, you have two weeks. You better start tomorrow.

I suppose I'll join the anonymous employees commenting here.

"My advice is not to act like you're a legitimate organization by attempting to impose "non negotiable" terms. Everyone at Monterrey is probably laughing at this."

I think you're on with some of your other comments, but I'm interested in what you mean by this. What exactly about a Illinois state-registered nonprofit, with an elected representative Board of Directors, transacting business on three continents, who meets and negotiates regularly with both the Chicago Fire and Toyota Park and has built relationships with their sponsors, is not legitimate?

Monterrey can laugh all they want, and people in my organization can dismiss their claims - but they are certainly are legitimate and organized.

Follow Up: Last night I came with my family made up of my wife and two daughters. While we don't sit in Section 8 we did stroll the parking lot before hand and purchsed shirts for the whole family. One nice young man handed us small fliers explaining what would be happening in Section 8.

After a whole discussion with my family and a family vote we decided that together we would join you during the protest. From our seats we watched your banner unfold. One of my daughters cried as she saw security strip the banners away from you by the management of the Chicago Fire.

Please know that all of this was discussed by fans sitting our section. Everyone noticed that something was happening in Section 8. I think you would be surpised at the level of support that you have in other sections. While I am sure that management and others who "just don't want to be bothered" will continue to come up with excuses I want you to know that last night I saw you act in the proudest of American traditions. To act for what is fair and just would make our founding fathers proud.

I want you to know that all of you acted with restraint and maturity. I wish that the Chicago Fire had only chosen to do the same. The actions of the managment killed the spirit of the stadium and I am sadden to say that it was not just the players who lost last night.

Charles,

Thank you very much for the post. I really hope that this is the last time we stage a protest. The front office has two weeks before the next home game. They have underestimated us with four days to put this together. Can you imagine the kind of visual display we will have up our sleeve with two weeks to prepare.

Fire front office please dont make us make you look sillier than you are now. You have tarnished the badge. Help us bring it back to its brillance once again.

I was at the game last night. I couldn't tell any difference in the "atmosphere of the stadium" with your protest though I thought the DC fans were great, loud, organized, spirited, polite and good fun.

You may be interested to know the game was a sellout - you and your group are laughable and seemingly no one is paying you any mind.

Your claims are racism are an easy excuse for you and your "leaders" to climb up on a soap box. Go find another cause, please, you are just embarrasing yourself and I hope Sector Latino realize they are just pawns in Liam's current drama.

Charles, I am sure your daughter cried (cue "Beautiful World" music here).

Folsom, I thought your comments were quite insightful.

Best,
Holly

By the way, your silly little "sit-in" didn't even make the news.

Hey,

I was at the game last night and saw your banners. I heard during the half everything that happened. I'm sorry to hear that the Chicago Fire is not taking you all seriously. I usually don't pay attention to the goings on in the Fire House but will do so now.

Thanks for bringing this to the attention of the rest of us. Your silence was heard very clearly throughout the rest of the stadium.

Thanks Holly for pointing that out.

Now we have something to shoot for if the front office continues the way they are going.

We dont want to go to the next level. I hope any Fire rep that is reading this to call a meeting together and get this worked out.

We will stage another peaceful protest if nothing gets worked out.

Bank on it. :) Have a great night.

I just wanted to say that even though it was hard to stay quiet that I feel that it was important to show support for those who have shown support for the team that I love more than anything in the world. I hope that management wakes up so that we can get back to what we do best, supporting the greatest team on earth!

"Your claims are racism are an easy excuse for you and your "leaders" to climb up on a soap box. Go find another cause, please, you are just embarrasing yourself and I hope Sector Latino realize they are just pawns in Liam's current drama."

what does this even mean?? is there some kind of vendetta here?

Sorry for what will be a long post...You know, I watch all the games on my50 and make it out to the few I can afford (times are rough these days). There was NO mention of the protest nor any crowd shots of Section 8 during the entire DC United game. That's very odd and disrespectful of the situation. Whether it's bad for business or not, everyone needs to recognize the reality of what's going on.

I think there is right and wrong on both sides. The alleged behavior of the security guards is intolerable. At the same time, I've seen a few bad apples mess things up for everyone in the stands. I don't know what happened, so I used the word alleged. Targeting an entire section is assinine and empathy for both sides is needed. There are good security guards and bad security guards; just as there are good fans and bad fans. I've never seen any problems with section latino at the games I atteneded.

The FO is concerned with keeping a family atmosphere, which they believe will help increase ticket sales. Right or wrong, Section 8 needs to respect that. That doesn't mean a lot has to change, it just means there needs to be the understanding that drunken and disorderly behavior and foul language -- which will hopefully decrease with the departure of Chad Barrett -- need to be kept in check.

I think that any security guards that used slurs or acted inappropriately should be fired. Period. IF this continues, then maybe the security firm should be bounced. Until then, document everything. Get their names, use cell phone cameras -- anything to show what's going on. I don't agree with getting rid of the firm until I see more evidence.

Also disturbing -- though not as much as the alleged racist comments -- are the new rules, the loss of the superbandera, and the general idea that when it's a sell out crowd "screw section 8 and it's general admission ticketing." But oh yeah, when there are less than 10,000 fans at a friendly match or a team no-one wants to see...then you guys are fine...Carry on. Also, make sure we get those pictures in the brochures so we can show everyone what a great atmosphere you create, while pushing you out once we get seats filled.

I would love to take you up on the offer to play drums for section 8. I've been thinking about it for a long time. However, for me to be there 2.5 hours before game time and probably have to take the heads of the drum to show them I don' t have a pony keg, shiv, machete, flare, sparkler, zapata flyer, "bush lies" flyer, Bring back JCO flyer, peanuts, foreman grill, sign that says "I love Guppy", pirate flag, prayer flag, etc. means that I would have to spend 1.5 hours getting to the stadium, 2.5 hours waiting for the game to start, and another 1.5 hours getting home. Man, it might as well be a full-time job.

On a Thursday night match starting at 7 p.m., I need to be at the stadium at 4:30 p.m.? Is anyone going to be there to let me in?

It seems to me the bottom line for the FO is money. They don't need Section 8 when the games are sold out, hence the general admission ticketing policy they won't fix.

Finally, what's with confiscating all the signs they don't agree with? They knew there was a protest and wanted to make it look like they were coming down on everyone, but anyone with half a brain knows they were attempting to limit the protest.

The FO needs to work on their PR skills.

That being said, I think there's room for compromise:

1.) FO should provide a storage closet to store drums, flags, etc. that Section 8 can use on the premisis. 1 hour before game time, a few guys from Section 8 should/may show up to move the stuff into the section. 30 minutes after the game, the stuff can be moved back into the closet. FO gets their security, Section 8 gets their instruments.

2.) FO needs to state that Section 8 and Section Latino supporters are appreciated and a large part of the TP atmosphere.

3.) FO needs to commit to making the GA seating in Section 8 next year.

4.) Section 8 should understand the FO's position and attempt to abide by REASONABLE regulations. Likewise, Section 8 and Section Latino fans should acknowledge that unruly behavior, prohibited items, etc. are not allowed and will be delt with accordingly by security.

No one gets entirely what they want, but this helps keep Section 8 going. Without Section 8, Fire games are no fun. No cheers, no TETRIS?!? I might as well watch Liga games on telefutura or the fire games on My50.

Humbly,

dank

Holly you are just silly, it made the cover of Hoy, which because you know so little, is more impact ful than the other media....

El Tiger,

If it made the cover of Hoy, then it is just preaching to the choir, isn't it?

Preaching to the choir!?! I'm not even sure where to start on that comment. Wow. Yeah, you're right- ....... actually, I can't even think of a sarcastic remark. That was ignorant and uncalled for.

ANYWAY,

I'm a big fire supporter from St. Louis and my girlfriend and I were in town for the game, as well as the Barca game the following day. We usually sit in section 119 at fire games, we were in the front row this time. I remember seeing several security guards sprinting past me toward S8 and made a comment about how funny it is that some people see the violence of soccer supporters in Europe in the 90s and assume the worst for the U.S. (Peoria cops?). I just thought security was having an "oh no! soccer fans on the loose!" moment, but after hearing later how serious the situation was, I was very upset with Fire FO and the security. Blanco's comment in the paper just made things worse. I want you all to know that you have the strong support of many here in STL, and a few of us are going up for the game Sept. 6. Hang in there. Continue to do move forward peacefully and professionally. Let them know that racism will not be tolerated.

Holly preaching to the choir? What, I guess if all the Latinos who read Hoy get upset I guess that doesn't matter does it?

Holly Fire, you have to acknowledge the Fire most vibrant and growing market is with the Latino Community. So if it goes out there isn't that problematic....

When all this began, I talked to a longtime fan who sits not in Section 8 and he was concerned with the perception that the team will be labeled as racist. Now is that not a concern for you? The quickest way to deal with that potetial is to deal with the issues. But, until recently only they addressed.

This goes back to my problem I have with that over the hill, over paid hack blanco, if some people are experiancing racism or feel they are that should be enough to deal with it. Hey if I was Fire FO, I would move heaven and earth to get to the bottom of it...

Your dismissal of peoples concerns is shocking, escpially if you profess to love the Fire, if you loved the Fire you would be active in addressing the issue as opposed to being so in denial...

Let's not confuse the SL complaints with the views of the Latino fan community as a whole. There are a LOT of Latino fans sitting in assigned seating who do not appreciate some of the antics from S8. Contrary to belief of some on this board, Latinos are not monolithic in their views on this issue and to say so is, quite frankly, racist. Too many people are trying to make this a general race issue when in reality it is more a section 8 and SL issue. To generalize is oft the refuge of the rascal.

Fact, if anyone thinks SL and S* are totally innocent in this matter you are sorely misinformed. Neither is Monterray totally innocent but the pleadings of innocence on here are ridiculous and are counterproductive to your cause. Your intrangience will cause everyone else to simply throw up their hands and dismiss you and your concerns.....

Why does that guy play the Tetris song on his horn? What does Tetris have to do with the Fire or with football? I would understand if the Russian community was bigger here in Chicago, but it isn't. I say stick with these chants:

Fi-re, fi-re, fi-re fire fire....

Let's go Fire! Clap, clap, clap-clap-clap

This is football!!! Clap, clap, clap-clap-clap

Oleh, oleh oleh oleh, oh-leh! Oh-leh!

Those chants are good enough to get through the entire football match. The Tetris song is just out of place