MLS To Fans: No More “You Suck, A–hole” Chants
By Mike Dyce
Jul 7, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Blue smoke bomb in the Ultra Montreal Impact fan section during the second half against Chivas USA at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
The Major League Soccer is beginning to get an increasingly more and more passionate fan base as soccer explodes on the scene in the United States. With passionate fans comes some hooliganism, and the fans are trying to keep up with their overseas counterparts. Some times it’s setting off smoke bombs in the stands like in the picture above, sometimes it’s chanting and singing.
The MLS has asked fans to stop a time honored tradition, harassing their opponents. One of their favorites is chanting “you suck, asshole.” They like to time it to corner kicks, free kicks, but especially goal kicks. Here is an example:
The MLS is trying to stop the foul language. Numbers of MLS Supporters groups received letters from their clubs front offices asking them to stop and tone it down.
Here is the letter the Real Salt Lakes supporters received (FYI: YSA means you suck asshole):
"Members of Real Salt Lake Supporter Clubs are expected to (1) demonstrate a universal commitment to eradicate YSA, its derivatives and other chants employing mass use of foul language – both at Rio Tinto Stadium and on the road; (2) support messaging campaigns via web, social media and face-to-face to all supporters, including a public endorsement to eradicate such chants; and (3) energetically overshadow attempts at YSA during goal kicks both at Rio Tinto Stadium and on the road."
The changes need to be made by August 11th, or four games from now, or there will be further sanctions.
"-No smoke devices, flag poles, banners, or other displays permitted at home or away matches-Retract parking passes, stadium credentials, and field passes at Rio Tinto Stadium-Prohibit drums, megaphones, and Capo Stand"
But these chants are soccer 101, in Mexico they yell “burro,” which I’m told means “dumb ass,” when their opponents take goal kicks. I think they make the game more entertaining, of course I don’t have children at the game.