Attn: Steven Zach - Security nazis strike again

Reason No. 23 why DC needs its own stadium: The club can hire its own stewards/security.

 

Mike does bring up an interesting point. Why was this dude standing in between 134 and 135? Now, I agree that the security folks are not graduates of the Georgetown Institute for the Study of Diplomacy but are they there because of the smokebombs and firecrackers? While people may disagree with the rules about them in the stands, the bottom line is they aren't allowed in RFK. By setting them off it forces security to come to the section and take action (and then hang around and harass people). As these people are jerks and often are on some power trip the last thing I'd do is something to bring more of them over (but, that's just me). If people are itching to antagonize police the IMF protests are right around the corner.

I'm glad the Nest resumed cheering as the scuffle moved to the back of the section (as there was a VERY important game on). I didn't appreciate having the smokebombs tossed at my feet (don't know if an SE or BB person did that) as it brought security people into our section. It also was a bit much that Oscar came into our section and stood on the seats and started antagonizing SEs about their cheering. Kind of puts a damper on that spirit of cooperation between the 2 groups that people have been working on.

It's a shame all this crap happened. At least it will be a few months before we regroup at RFK so heads can cool off and hopefully better solutions can be found.

K

 

I guess I'm not sure why I'm supposed to be outraged that the police were called when it sounds like a mob of BB's were beating up a security guy.

Just because the security guy was an ass hole doesn't mean it's okay to get violent.

This is an obnoxious way to talk.

Yes, the security guys are goons and pinheads but if you respond to them by acting like goons and pinheads yourself, you're only going to make it worse.

 

First off I'll say it seems like this guy was there to cause problems because he was going against what is established behavior for that section.

But come on the rules are no smoking in the bowl and no standing in the aisles. I'm sorry these are good rules. Just because "everyone always does it" does make it right or smart.

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Attn: Steven Zach - Security nazis strike again

OK, I wasn't there, and I didn't see the whole incident, I've already admitted as much. But there are two sides to every story, and I'm only hearing one side. From what I hear, the guy probably was on some sort of power trip. But we don't know what he was told to enforce, and regardless of what many people in BB/SE think, I don't think standing in the aisles is a good idea. I'm also reading something from Jose that indicates that it was confrontational all around, and not just one sided.

I agree with Barb Dett that people being happy about a security guard getting pummeled is probably not a good thing. There should be some ground rules set before the season, and those should be abided by. Keep in mind that the Stadium Authority has a different set of issues regarding firecrackers, crowd control, and other activities. "We talked it over and said it was ok" doesn't cut if they get sued.

 

Unfortunately I am getting to the party late again. First let me say that (again unfortunately) I was never notified last night during the game that there was a problem. I'm very annoyed especially if it was a D.C. United staff person who said they would contact me and then did not (I will be addressing our staff today about that). I did speak briefly to Oscar following the game and told him I would follow up today with RFK. I will take all your input and discuss it with them in detail. I have already discussed a plan for next year to resolve these problems once and for all. I think an off season meeting would definitely be a good idea. Lastly while I don't condone RFK security's behavior all the time I must also agree with those that pointed out that breaking the rules that are set will have some negative results. The key is to be clear on the rules and making sure the responses are appropriate. More to follow.

Stephen

 

Well said! Stephen Zach for DC Sports & Entertainment Commissioner!!!!!!

 

But why would you waste beer?

I just don't understand people's behaviour sometimes.

 

And therefore not beer.

 

I agree. If the SA has a problem with what is happening in the sections have they contacted Oscar or Matt to talk about it or are they just sending over some goon to bash heads? We don't know if this dude was instructed to behave in a certain way or if he just took it upon himself to be a jacka$$.

In the off season maybe we should try to work on some sort of agreement with the Stadium Authority on what behavior will and will not be tolerated (by us and by security). While we won't be able to rewrite all the laws of RFK there should be a way to make some accommodations for our special way of supporting the team and have each side feel that there's some mutual respect (because I ain't feeling the love here). Maybe we could get them to allow a few key people to stand on milk crates or boxes to lead the groups (this would get folks off the seats, which is an issue). Maybe we could get them to allow a smoke machine, the Fire had one at Soldier Field (this would get rid of the smokebombs and fire crackers). I'm willing to try to come up with creative solutions so all sides are happy but we need to see that the SA values our patronage. If they don't, then they really will have a problem on their hands.

K

 

Ugh, I had one of those last night. Horrid. The only good thing I can say about Budweiser is that it tastes better than Bud Light.

 

Oh well then, that's something else altogether.

Splash away, my good man, splash away.

 

Mr Zack: Bring back our Foggy Bottom carts, please. Then no one would splash beer on anyone else. It's simple: Budweiser is for splashing on someone else, Foggy Bottom is for drinking.

 

I saw the brawl and it sucks that it escallated to that. Mr. Zack hopefully will get this problem fixed in the offseason. I think a sitdown with DCSA and having the same people assigned to these sections every match are excellent ideas. Being arrested for fighting and the whole court thing that follows is not a good idea. I've been down that road, and it sucks. Especially over some punk wannabe security nazi.

 

Uhm - Foggy Bottom is available.

 

True. But so far, I haven't seen that Foggy Bottom cart set up in front of 134/135 where it would most appreciated!

 

How do you know what the rules are? Ever heard of common law? Bite me.

GM

 

I for one would like to see a published set of rules of conduction. They may exsist but I have not seen them. I would like to see things like, streamers, smoke bombs, standing in sections and the like covered. Then once they are written make sure that all of us in the fans sections and fans in general know them. Finally make sure that security has read and understand them as well.

 

Agreed.

Hopefully, these will be developed with some fan input and not turned into a fiat accompli by the Stadium Authority.

For the most past, La Norte hasn't had major security issues until last night. Guards started getting on us from throwing streamers after the match and for the smoke bombs. C'est la vie.

Sachin