On a night devoid of the “YSA” chant, the Garden State Ultras Supporters Club felt the league’s resolve as sanctions against the club were levied despite their good behavior.
Section 133 was packed to the brim, singing in full voice for the New York Red Bulls during a listless 0-0 draw against rival Philadelphia despite league and club levied punishments for their support of “YSA.”
If you missed yesterday’s report, Major League Soccer, along with the New York Red Bulls, made good on their threat to begin applying sanctions on supporters clubs that continue to back and take part in the “YSA” – or “You Suck @$$hole” – chants. While the Viking Army nor the Empire Supporters Club has successfully eradicated it’s presence, their attempts to quell the chants have been looked upon favorably by league brass.
For the GSU’s stance against the league’s requests, the Red Bull front office and MLS took away all flag, TIFO and banner privileges for an indeterminate period.
Attempts to test the league’s resolve were met with swift action. As the South Ward unveiled a large “This Is The Life!!!” TIFO across the section, section 133 was noticeably absent in action. When flags did appear in the section, blue shirt security guards made their way down the aisle to confiscate their paraphernalia. Even when the GSU attempted to unfurl their modest supporters club banner, that too was confiscated.
Despite those setbacks, the section was vibrantly behind their team throughout the night, without incident of serious resistance or conflict.
Archived content originally from EmpireOfSoccer.com by Dave Martinez
