With MLS and commissioner Don Garber adamant about eliminating the persistent and profane “You suck a-hole” chants around the league, the Red Bulls front office reached out a hand to its three supporter groups in the so-called South Ward, and one responded by essentially giving them the finger.
One of four teams still struggling to wean its fans off the YSA chant, the Red Bull front office took the unique approach of offering the Empire Supporters Club, Viking Army and Garden State Ultras each $500 for every game the South Ward goes YSA-free, with the money dispersed in $2,000 increments. But the GSU summarily rejected the offer in brusque fashion.
“From this day forth GSU won’t accept a single penny from the FO or Redbull. This of course will result in a lot of friction between us and the FO. But we stand strong together. This is our club, our city, our family. We will not be censored, we will not be bought,’’ GSU spokesman Christopher Vidaic said in a statement that – ironically – had to be censored for language.
“During these trying times all we ask of you is to come hard. Come out, support your club and hold your head high and sing loud! It is recommended that all GSU members wear a bandana or some face cover for the upcoming games.
“As we all know the FO is on the lookout for “inappropriate” language and behavior. We say (screw) them! We will not be censored. As far as YSA go’s, we think it’s a lame ass chant but, if you feel the need to do it to let the FO know they’re pieces of (crap) have at it. United we stand divided we fall!’’
According to a team spokesman, the Red Bulls’ offer was to each of the three groups individually. In essence, the Viking Army and ESC could choose to work with the front office on what appears to be a fait accompli and collect their money, while the GSU would be subject to sanctions.
As of this afternoon, the five-person board of the ESC – the team’s biggest and league’s oldest supporter group – had not yet come to any decision, with board member Rob Hak sending the Post the following:
“Regarding decisions/votes etc…there isn’t anything we can comment on regarding any club specific business. The five members of the Board are doing our best to work with, listen to and represent our membership. When there is more to be said we will be sure it’s released through the appropriate channels.’’
But the ESC board had already stated its support of the team’s effort to rid the stadium of YSA chants, generally hurled at opposing keepers right as they commence a goalkick. The difficulty comes in policing a rank and file that may or may not always agree with the board’s decisions.
Real Salt Lake is facing the same issue, and had no interest in any quid pro quo with its fans, considering ejecting any supporters that failed to comply. Red Bulls GM Jerome de Bontin suggested paying the South Ward, and used the term “a carrot or a stick” in an interview with the Post yesterday.
Glenn Stampiglia, an ESC member who is not on the board, had the following reaction: “(Screw) You JDB! I have been going to Soccer matches since 1978 in the greater metropolis. I will not be chastised by a scum like you. You can shove you’re Stick up your (butt).’’
ESC member Mike Vallo contended that the blowback and outrage was not so much about the club trying to curtail the YSA chant as it was the slippery slope of taking cash from the front office and in essence selling out their principles as supporters.
“No one really cares about the chant,’’ said Vallo. “It’s the act of taking money to change our songbook and the extreme exaggeration of the negative consequences of a chant containing a word I’ve heard about 30 times today walking around the city.
“I’m guessing sponsors aren’t interested in the Red Bulls because attendance is less than impressive and has been stagnant for awhile now, or because TV ratings for the league or nearly non-existent, or because the RBFO alienated all of the Metros old sponsors in their first few years. To scapegoat a silly song is beyond ludicrous.’’
Vallo offered the novel suggestion of altering the chant to “You Suck Garber” and in turn donating the money to a New Jersey native and ex-Red Bull Jozy Altidore’s foundation, or some other charity.
As a non-board member, Brent Gamit doesn’t speak for the ESC, but he was literally the voice of the South Ward. As a former capo, he stood atop a ladder and led the South Ward in chants and songs, screaming his voice raw every game. And while he’s fine with whatever decision the ESC board makes, it’s clear which way his sentiments lay regarding a chant he’s led more than most.
“Within the scope of the 90 minutes of the game, YSA encompasses approximately 2 minutes, mostly within the 2nd half,’’ said Gamit. “It’s derided due to its lack of creativity. A counter argument is that there are approximately 88 minutes of chants/songs that pass as “creative”.
“It’s also derided in that it isn’t a relevant chant; a counter to that is that it’s to insult the opposition goalkeeper. We as fans, especially its most vociferous ones, are there to support the team in addition to insult the opposition.
“Detractors also ask why something more creative or just better in general can’t be used instead. A friend of mine, an ex-ESC member recently said, “Creative people can laugh at silly things. Smart people are allowed guilty pleasures.” Detractors will also say that the chant is unoriginal. In soccer, or sports in general, not every chant is unique.’’
That said, last year at Red Bull Arena Garber told the press the YSA had to be stopped, and de Bontin made it clear to the Post the club would “take measures” to do so. In light of that, ESC member Jennifer Van Voorhis – a Manhattan attorney who has also served as capo – took the long view.
“I prefer carrots to sticks. RSL is talking about banning people from games. RB has been working with the supporter groups for years attempting to eradicate this chant. I’m glad that they are still trying to work with the groups rather than against them when the end result is inevitable,’’ said Van Voorhis, adding wryly “The amount of journalist interest is a bit ridiculous though.’’