Dynamo Supporters let off a smoke bomb at Robertson Stadium

Photo by Ayla Dehghanpoor

Major League Soccer has sent an e-mail to Dynamo supporters groups telling them that as of March 1st Dynamo fans traveling to out of town games will no longer be permitted to bring in items listed as “supporters group exemptions” which include drums, streamers, and other supporters groups staples.

Miguel Sada, co-founder of El Batallon, posted the original text on his Twitter today.

It reads “As of March 1st, Dynamo traveling supporters will not be permitted to utilize items listed as Supporter Group Exemptions in the MLS Prohibited Items policy (e.g. flags, banners, confetti, drums). This sanction shall continue to be in effect until otherwise notified by MLS.”

Our violations include: A) multiple illegal smoke bombs were brought into the stadium, ignited and thrown onto the field B) various objects that presented a safety risk thrown onto the field in the direction of players and stadium personnel C) obscene language and gestures by multiple supporters.”

This sanction could significantly impact Dynamo support during away games, particularly the sanction against banners and flags. With no official date set for the expiration of the sanction this could prove to be a death blow to the often loud and boisterous Dynamo Supporters Groups. Dynamo supporters caused controversy after the loss of the MLS Cup to the LA Galaxy last season when they were seen throwing flashlights and other debris at Landon Donovan and David Beckham.

Based on the listed violations, multiple supporters groups from a variety of clubs could be at risk for receiving similar sanctions. However, because Dynamo supporters groups are the only individuals reporting such sanctions, it looks like the MLS are picking and choosing who to sanction for the time being. I am all for safety and respect at games, but hopefully the MLS will take a standard and all-inclusive approach to reigning in supporters groups.