LAFC fined $100,000, fan group suspended for illegal flares
Major League Soccer announced Wednesday that it had imposed a fine LAFC $100,000 and indefinitely suspended the privileges of fan group 3252 after the group committed “serious misconduct” shortly before the Western Conference final against the Houston Dynamo on Dec. 2.
The penalties also include that the club “MLS Oversight related to security and fan management processes,” the league’s statement said.
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In addition to the suspension of fan privileges for next season, the privileges of the 3252 – the group of fans seated at the north end of LAFC’s BMO Stadium – will be restricted for this Saturday’s MLS Cup Final against the “Restricted.” Columbus crewwill take place at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.
A source with knowledge of the incident told ESPN that the misconduct involved the setting off of approximately 20 flares that were not approved by the MLS. The flares produced so much smoke that the start of the game had to be postponed.
The flares were lit despite 3252 precautions being taken to produce so-called “safe smoke”.
“In coordination with MLS, LAFC agrees to conduct a full investigation into the incident and violators will be subject to further penalties, indefinite suspensions (including MLS Cup) and all appropriate legal action,” the statement read in part. “The comprehensive review will focus on improving security and supporter management processes for 2024 and beyond.”
LAFC looks to win its second straight MLS Cup on Saturday after defeating the Philadelphia Union in the 2022 final.
