The next day, in response to a video showing a fight between Montreal CF supporters who were present at BMO Field for Tuesday’s game against Toronto FC, the Montreal team announced that it would give supporters of the Ontario formation during the match between 8pm and 8pm the same two clubs will refuse entry to the Saputo stadium on Saturday night.
Also read: CF Montreal: A fight breaks out in the Toronto stands
Also read: Canadian Championship: CF Montreal defeats rivals Toronto
The unsightly scene, showing a fierce battle ahead of the Canadian championship quarterfinals match, was widely shared on social media and the CF leadership did not remain silent. Reds fans who were hoping to travel to Montreal for Saturday’s clash, this time scheduled as part of the Major League Soccer (MLS) schedule, will have to reconsider their plans.
“The events that occurred during Tuesday night’s game in Toronto are extremely unfortunate and unacceptable. CF Montreal condemns any act of violence. An investigation is underway. The safety of our fans and fan groups is a priority for the club, the club said in a statement. Violence will not be tolerated at Saputo Stadium, just like at the other stadiums where our fans travel. We have decided to close the opposition fan area at Saputo Stadium for Saturday’s game against Toronto. TFC fans who bought tickets in this area will get their money back. We are in discussions with Canada Soccer, MLS and Toronto FC to ensure every event is safe.”
Matters to be clarified
The video in question was shared by a person who claimed Toronto FC had assured FC fans who had traveled to the Queen City that their safety would not be an issue. However, the netizen added that people supporting the local team attacked the visitors in the rather empty stands. However, it is quite difficult to identify the belligerents and their affiliations in the sequence posted online.
On the pitch, CF triumphed 2-1 to advance to the semi-finals of the domestic competition, where they meet Forge FC. Following TFC’s visit to Montreal this weekend, the two great rivals meet again on August 20 at BMO Field.
A rocky relationship
Interactions between supporters of the two clubs are far from good. In August 2021, Montreal and Toronto fans faced a problem in front of Saputo Stadium. Toronto supporters were allegedly attacked, as reported at the time by Le Journal de Montréal, which convinced the TFC to demand the ban on Montreal fans who wanted to attend a game at BMO Field a few weeks later. The MLS has also agreed to this request.
For its part, Montreal management had closed Section 132, where the Ultras group was staying, over multiple allegations of violence and inappropriate behavior.