Sports

Red Bull fan group supports anti-YSA efforts

The die-hard supporters in Red Bull Arena’s so-called South Ward have come under scrutiny for their chants of “You suck A-hole,’’ hurled at opposing keepers during goalkicks. And with MLS unable to curb the profane chant, the Red Bulls themselves took the unprecedented tack of offering its three supporter groups a cash incentive to clean up their language.

With the Red Bulls hosting Eastern Conference-leading Montreal tomorrow (7 p.m, MSG), one of the three groups had brusquely – and profanely – rejected the offer, while the other two have supported the team’s efforts to curb YSA.

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 $500 for every game the South Ward goes YSA-free, with the money dispersed in $2,000 increments.

The GSU summarily rejected the offer in brusque fashion, a profanity-laced statement that insists they will not be bought and will not be censored. Meanwhile, the ESC and Viking Army have publicly supported the Red Bulls’ efforts to curb the chant.

A team spokesperson clarified that only the group persisting with the profane chant would be sanctioned, and that any group working with the front office would still be paid. Neither the Viking Army or the ESC – the team’s biggest and league’s oldest supporter group – has made a formal decision on what to do with regards to accepting money.

“We’re committed to moving past YSA, as we have been all season,’’ said Viking Army board member Jason Corliss. “In terms of any money that might come later, we’ll cross that bridge if we get there, and will involve our membership in the decision.”

Red Bull defender Connor Lade said he had heard of some interesting tifos – or signage – that might debut tonight in reaction to the brouhaha.

“I guess from a family standpoint some of the people walking their kids around the stadium it’s not setting the best example; but if you go to any sporting event you’re going to hear things you wouldn’t be happy for your kids to hear (although) not in as organized fashion as that,’’ Lade said. “I saw the front office and (fans) were working together. We’re going to have some cool tifos out there I’m hearing.’’