Throughout the whole season, at every home game at least 1 of the Ultras members were escorted by the cops outside the stadium for all kind of weird reasons. Every home game our members are the only people in the stadium that have their tickets double checked to make sure we are in the right section. Tonight they've just crossed the line. The same guy that got kicked out for walking by the Galaxy supporters section with an Earthquakes flag, got ARRESTED (30 seconds after he walked into the stadium)and he is spending the night in jail right now because "he seemed drunk". He didn't even open his mouth or do any offensive gesture, but he was considered a "potential dangerous element", so he was taken to the San Jose jail. This is just too much. Please help us fight the harrasment and discrimination of one of the most dedicated fans !
I'm pretty sure Alexi Lalas became head of California State University Police within the week. Same kind of treatment from the 5-0's as the security.
Security is getting a little oppressive lately. My wife commented to me that the anal retentiveness of the security staff is taking the fun out of coming. The guys in yellow need to sit down and prevent things like....The night of the flying seat cushions. I am sure Galexi just loved that one!
You know, everytime I hear this I think to myself, "why is it that I never get harrassed by security?" I can't put my finger on it. I just don't get it. I mean, I can see why the Ultras do. Now, wait a minute, I don't think it's right. But you have to admit if you put yourself out there, it's gonna happen. But I have never, ever, even once, not once in my life had a problem with security. Seriously, what could it be? (That's really rhetorical. No need to answer. But it always goes through my mind.)
There must be a certain physical type (and sex) that gets hassled by security. I've walked into the stadium with a huge bag of stuff (nothing illegal but how can they know?) and I hve just gotten waved in. Maybe it's because I have kids with me. Or because I'm not a very big person. Maybe if the Ultras tried to look small and brought along a kids' soccer team, they could make it to their seats unmolested?
"But I have never, ever, even once, not once in my life had a problem with security. Seriously, what could it be? (That's really rhetorical. No need to answer. But it always goes through my mind.)" Hmmm. I wonder why you never have problems. That too is rhetorical. I do like the kid's soccer team idea. What say you Ultras?!
Maybe it's just my personality. I mean, there was that one time that I was put on "security watch" when I certain player came to town. Everytime I turned around there was a security person "watching" me. It was quite interesting. But I just shrugged it off and thought, "Hehe. This is hilarious. I'm officially a hooligan." Whatever. They never stopped me or said anything. I was just being "watched." But, whatever.... And there was the one time I stood with the Ultras for a half and saw how they were treated. I mean, it wasn't great. But, whatever. They're loud and obnoxious. What do they expect? To invited over for tea? If you act loud and obnoxious, well, you get treated differently. I'm not saying it's right. But even the Ultras have to admit that they're a bit "in your face" about things. I'm rambling, but I guess what it comes down to is maybe it's my attitude toward things.... Whatever, who knows?
SJQF, you are right. We do expect the security to keep an eye on us more than on the other fans, but taking our guys to jail for no reason is just too much. He also got a 300 dollars ticket. He was one of the most dedicated guys in our group. He went to away games, and to most of the home games. He spent hundreds of dollars on Earthquakes merchandise, and he was coming all the way from Vallejo. He is also the ride for 4 other people. The guy is going to sue the SJSU Police and probably the Spartan security. There are plenty of witnesses out there, and it's the best way to stop their abusing attitude. So after last night, we just lost 5 people. Most of the guys were complaining, and afraid that the same thing can happen to them at the next games, and now i have to convince them to not quit. After the game i had a discussion with All this thing got so messy, when it could be so easy and helpful for the atmosphere. But anyways, since it looks like we are not going to have the team here next year, our struggle is going to end pretty soon. Batfam, at most of the games, there are kids who stand with us and ask us if they can wave some flags or beat the drum. Last night there were few youth teams next to us, and they were chanting with us. By the end of the game they even got their parents into it, and pretty much the whole section 105 and 104. That was also a good number of girls/women who joined us throughout the season. None of the members of this group has a criminal record. Oh well, until last night... So i don't see why we are treated like the most ferocious hooligans or gang members.
USJ All kidding aside...I am sorry to hear about your current security problems. There are many of us who are huge Ultras supporters and have been very vocal in our support. Hang in there guys....Galexi won't be around forever and the climate will change again. The key is to never give up and don't give those jerks a reason to kick you guys out. I really feel your group adds to the atmosphere at Spartan. (at least you don't blow those ridiculous horns like the groups in LA). Go Quakes!
Count me amoung those who have bailed on going to matches. Since I got "positively ID'd" by Spartan security at the DCU match I haven't been back. No it wasn't a big deal, but its something that shouldn't have happened, and the harrassment of the Ultras is something that the GM can do something about but has chose not to. I know the GM couldn't give fvck about the Ultras, and if he loses 20 more tickets, BFD. Nothing is going to get done. I have been going to Quakes matches since day one, and typically made it to 70% of the home matches and even a few aways. For two seasons I was a season ticket holder, and every season I always brought a few friends to the games. I bought merchadise, food, and paid for parking. With that said, Lalas can kiss my ass, it will be awhile before I return to Spartan.
All I can say is that I look both north and south after a goal is scored by the QUAKES at Spartan. Last night especially, after Ching (I think) scored his goal, the Ultras were still jumping up and down and side to side several minutes after the rest of the crowd settled back into their seats. I find this endearing. What is it? Was it the confrontations that happened at the beginning of your existence? My son and I ran into some of his soccer buddies after the game last night. They were 15-16 year olds without parents accompanying them. They were pretty obnoxious and loud. I wonder what's the difference?
As a member of the ESC (but not representing the ESC), I send my support out to the SJ Ultras. The situation really sucks. Despite the soccer moms paying the bills, the Hardcore supporters are what make for a good atmosphere. It's a shame that SJ refuses to work with the Ultras to find a solution everyone is happy with. I hope thing eventually work out for the Ultras.... maybe Club America will treat ya'll better ?
As well as whichever other local investor may also be interested in the team. In any case, Ultras, don't give up. Oftentimes, outliving/outlasting those who oppose you is the best revenge. GO EARTHQUAKES!!! -G
In response to our distaff side who seem to be saying that they are exempt from this type of harassment by the yellow shirts, I would like to point to an incident that occurred last night between sections 130 and 131. The rotund guard staff sitting at the bottom of the stairs between those sections, took it upon himself to go after Kate, the cheerleader from Cal who works on the Blue Crew and who I think is the logical successor to Krazy George (she looks better and smells better, however). She was standing on the rail leading a cheer, "Earth" and "Quakes" I believe it was I yelled at the round little fellow in my most gentle manner, telling him something like "FO (not "front office")." At half time, I talked to his supervisor and told the supervisor that he needed to give these lad a bit better orientation. The supe was cool however, and we get along well. I can see from this incident that there is total discommunication between the front office and the rentacop staff, they are definitely not on the same page, and things had better start to improve.
Yea, that's her name! I'm glad it's not just me noticing the crappy difference in security. I think they're confusing keeping people safe and an eye out for suspicious activity with hella crazy fans having a good time. They're just plain stupid.
I saw that! From the body language, I inferred that he was telling her that she couldn't cheer. And my reaction was...??? Then when she went ahead and began the yell, I decided I must have been wrong. So thank you for intervening! Also, my imagination perhaps, but the pace of the game seemed to accelerate during that round of cheering. I'd love to hear what the players think--even if they just absorb the cheers subliminally, all that positive energy seems to make a difference.
Kate from Cal (a name! I wonder if she was ever my student?) was directly in front of me when the silliness started regarding the EARTH!QUAKE! chant. The problem seemed to be that she was standing on the railing, not that she was leading cheers. Having said that, she seemed to know what she was doing, never looked in danger, and while I'm not a big fan of cheerleaders in general, she is clearly the best cheerleader the Quakes have had since at least Krazy George .. cut her some slack. Just to keep it on topic, I don't think she gets harassed as often as do the Ultras. OTOH, I never heard her call anyone a derogatory slur for gay men, which might be connected in some way.
Ack. This thread makes me sick. Forget control of revenues, etc. The team needs to be in charge of their own security squad. In the meantime, maybe Alexi can consider some new options for pissing off the most ardent and enthusiastic supporters. But, I would still like to hear from the other side of the Ultras issue.
Ok.....80% of the yellow jacket staff are pricks......I've been told to put down my food tray on the ground and pull my ticket out of my pocket upon entering the east side. I've NEVER seen a seating issue on the East Side. The a-hole was very lucky my nephew was with me otherwise he'd have had to come to my seat to check my ticket. I had another grab my arm, after letting me through, once he realized I may have had an un-ticketed 3yr old in my arms.....I had no idea a 3yr old needed a ticket. I told the guy "I'd advise you not to ever grab me by the arm again".....to which he did apologize, I think he saw in my eyes that i'm not a touchy feely kinda guy. The Quake staffer that came to remedy the situation gave the child a free ticket, which I could tell pissed off the yellow jacket. I've also seen various yellow/blue jackets completely over stepping their job descriptions......common sense and common courtesy, they should try it.......it goes a long way. As far as the Ultras, they are not as innocent as they would have you believe, they have a history of physical confrontation and vandalism, so do I feel bad for them.....no, is their hate for the yellow jackets un-founded, no way, I hate the dickless security guys myself. I'm sure security hates them and has vowed to make them miserable. Is that Alexi's fault....nope. I've been to Giants, A's, Warriors, Sharks, Sabercats and various Bay Area College sporting events.......an by far, the Spartan Security crew is the rudest, most unproffessional lot that i've run into. I could hand pick 20% of their crew to do a whole game alone and it would go better than usual.
Security at Spartan has serious issues, and it really does need to be dealt with by the front office. Unfortunately, they tend to ruin the experience for some. Most of us here are season ticket holders, so we've learned to just deal with it. But imagine a casual fan coming to there first game and having to deal with their crap. It ruins the entire experience. Just this season, I was told I couldn't walk through the sections to get to my seat. They got in my face, and were about ready to throw me out. Now, keep in mind, we got inside VERY early. In fact, we were some of the first fans through the gate. I was on crutches having just had knee surgery. They wanted me to crutch my butt all the way to the top of section 130, and then all the way down to row 21 rather than just cutting across the sections. He actually grabbed my crutch, which almost caused me to take a spill down the bleachers. Again, think if that was a casual fan coming to see what the Quakes thing is all about, and taking that home with them....
Here we go......with the touching thing again. Any good security/bouncer/usher knows you do not put your hands on people til you have to......bouncers usually have to when they break up a fight or throw someone out but when they approach a person, they stand in front of them and discuss....."hands on" is a last resort.
LDB, your observations about the Ultras are somewhat true. Yeah there was some incidents of violence last season and an incident of vandalism. But that was last season and Johnny Moore had done a pretty good job of changing the Ultras behavior. Even though this group started out on the wrong foot, by the end of the season many folks who were originally against them change their minds by the end of the season. With that said there has not been one incident of violence, vandalism, mayham, etc. this season. Yet from day one Lalas made it clear the Ultras were not welcome this season and has done nothing about the repeated harassment by Spartan Security. Who are the real thugs here? I realize not everybody has had a problem with Spartan Security, but they are a far greater problem then the Ultras. When there are real problems, drunks, fights, etc. they "duck and cover", When there aren't any problems they are out harassing women, childern, and the most passionate supporters ( and I'm not just talking about the Ultras here). They are in fact responsible for fans not coming back to Spartan. The Ultras may be a the fore front of this problem, but it is not just their issue. Lalas, needs to step up and do something at this point. These guys are out of control.