U.S. could face penalty for flares

[Prime Time]

I just received my tickets for next month's qualifier against Honduras and with it came two letters which basically state "do not throw flares or other items onto the field or the U.S. could suffer penalties." It lists that FIFA could sanction the penalty and they include a stadium ban, playing at a neutral ground or playing in front of no supporters.

Being in the supporter's section at the last two games, I must say I don't mind the flares as it adds to the enviroment. However, when I was in Tennessee I saw lots of fans complaining about the smoke (which I didn't see as a big deal) when 2-3 flares were thrown following a goal. This one punk was complaining and offered a security guy on the field $5 to make sure it did not happen again. I'm guessing USSF got some complaints about that.

Now, I'm sure what they are saying is true but I doubt FIFA would really punish U.S. Soccer for this. I see this as the USSF trying to scare the fans and preventing them from doing this in the future. Thoughts?

[HighburyForever]

When were there flares at the last game/two games? I didn't see anything besides a couple smoke bombs.

[Atouk]

Now, I'm sure what they are saying is true but I doubt FIFA would really punish U.S. Soccer for this. I see this as the USSF trying to scare the fans and preventing them from doing this in the future. Thoughts?You don't think US Soccer could get penalized for the actions of its fans?

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/releases/newsid=96608.html
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/world/2005-03-19-albania-costa-rica-fines_x.htm

Costa Rica and Albania had to play a home WCQ behind closed doors last cycle.

Albania got fined and a closed door Qualifier for this:
According to the reports submitted by the referee and the match commissioner of the Albania v. Ukraine match on 9 February, supporters of the home team threw various objects, including bottles of water, lighters, coins and flagpoles onto the pitch. A number of flares were also lit and fans stormed the pitch at the end of the match. The security staff in place also failed to act in the appropriate manner.

Costa Rica got fined and a closed door Qualifier for this:
After the Costa Rica v. Mexico match on 9 February, the reports submitted by the referee, match commissioner and FIFA safety officer noted that home fans had thrown objects including coins, bags and bottles of water, batteries, oranges and lemons at the Mexican players and the match officials. As a result, these persons could not leave the pitch immediately and had to wait for a police escort.

Sure, a couple of fares aren't quite the same, but, yes, I think they're accurate to say that if "flares or other items [are thrown] onto the field . . .the U.S. could suffer penalties."

[Kryptonite]

When were there flares at the last game/two games? I didn't see anything besides a couple smoke bombs.

I have a feeling they're categorizing "flares" and "smoke bombs" as the same thing. We all know they're not, but in the eyes of US Soccer, I don't think it makes much of a difference.

It's quite simple really. Don't throw anything on the field. Beer cups, things lit on fire, coins, hot dogs, etc. Keep it in the stands.

[Master O]

I just received my tickets for next month's qualifier against Honduras and with it came two letters which basically state "do not throw flares or other items onto the field or the U.S. could suffer penalties." It lists that FIFA could sanction the penalty and they include a stadium ban, playing at a neutral ground or playing in front of no supporters.


Heck, we're Americans. Until basically 2002, the National Team spent several decades playing in front of no supporters! :p

That wouldn't be much of a punishment for us. :D

They'll have to try kicking us out of the World Cup for anyone to notice.

[FW__]

This is great, we've officially arrived:rolleyes:

[irish56]

Flares/smoke bombs are pointless at a soccer match anyways. All it does is make the person lighting it feel more like a soccer fan, because you know they do it in Italy.:rolleyes:
Bags of urine are my cup of tea:D

[Appleanche]

I didn't even see any flares/smoke bombs thrown on field? The only thing I saw thrown were little confetti rolls.

[TeamUSA]

I didn't even see any flares/smoke bombs thrown on field? The only thing I saw thrown were little confetti rolls.

I think those paper cuts can be severe! :D

[FCDallasAddie]

Its a personal preference....some of us react and show emotion differently. We are just starting to scratch the surface of how this sport could be attended in the future and if they start penalizing us now then the jokes on them. This Outlaw isnt going to be threatened or scared off from helping provide a badass atmosphere!

[Mr. Warmth]

Its a personal preference....some of us react and show emotion differently. We are just starting to scratch the surface of how this sport could be attended in the future and if they start penalizing us now then the jokes on them. This Outlaw isnt going to be threatened or scared off from helping provide a badass atmosphere!

If you cause me to miss a game I have tickets to because FIFA comes down on the USSF over some Guate scrub getting hit with a flare, I will find you and kick you so hard in the taint that you'll fart out your mouth.

[Brunken]

I am all for a crazy a loud and intimidating atmosphere at games, but we can't have that atmosphere if we are not allowed in. So, please be wise with your decisions. Be creative, not destructive, on how you show your passion.

[ej014]

If you wanna play with flares do so before and after the games outside the stadium. They look just as cool there and you can take your own risk with security.
All it takes is one idiot throwing one on the field or somebody getting hurt and you can kiss our supporters sections goodbye.

[wcssstar33]

This is great, we've officially arrived:rolleyes:

it's official. we are legitimate.

[FCDallasAddie]

Looks like their plan is working....:rolleyes:. I never agreed w/ objects being thrown on the field but to not even test them is crazy. We might as well ban it all from each and every game from now on. Thats basically what they are saying. No flares and smokebombs at Chicago means no shit anywhere, ever.

[FCDallasAddie]

If you cause me to miss a game I have tickets to because FIFA comes down on the USSF over some Guate scrub getting hit with a flare, I will find you and kick you so hard in the taint that you'll fart out your mouth.

HAHA...Id really like to see you try, ********er!

[irish56]

Looks like their plan is working....:rolleyes:. I never agreed w/ objects being thrown on the field but to not even test them is crazy. We might as well ban it all from each and every game from now on. Thats basically what they are saying. No flares and smokebombs at Chicago means no shit anywhere, ever.

I go to US matches to enjoy the game and provide support for the team that I am passionate about. I am not there to "pose" as a fan. Bring some song/chants, make some noise, be creative. Copying ultras from other country doesn't make you a fan.
I am with Monday Morning 10 Shirt, I will kick anybody in the taint that causes me to miss a match because they threw something on the pitch.

[Mr. Warmth]

HAHA...Id really like to see you try, ********er!

I'll be at the next Fire game in Dallas if ya wanna chat about it.

[Tucson_soccer_fan]

Great, since the opposing side will usually have great support in the US, all it takes is one Mexican, Honduran, Guatemalan, etc. fan to screw things up for future US matches. I would not put it past anyone.

[josey_a]

I'll be at the next Fire game in Dallas if ya wanna chat about it.

Hahahah youre a punk, you dont even go to games. Youre a bitch that sits behind a computer and talks crap about people who actually make the effort to go to games and support this team where ever they go. Quit be a punk ass and stop bowing down. But hey if you wanna make threats to people be a man and dont hide behind bigsoccer. Youre the type of people that give us real supporters a bad name