War against the Timbers Army?

On Canzano's Oregonlive page last week, the bald-one posted a letter sent to the Oregonian from a local soccer fan who is greatly concerned by the boisterous behavior and general unruly conduct of Portland's cheering section behind the goal, dubbed the Timbers Army. Laurie (last name redacted) seems to think all the commotion the Timbers Army creates will drive away families and fans, ultimately leading to the failure of the Portland Timbers in the MLS. Read it from her:

"MLS and fans will NOT fill your new stadium with a cheering section behind the net dropping F-BOMBS in their chants all night long. You have some of the foulest fans in all of sports. This is not England and you should not tolerate Portland Timbers Hooligans. On three occasions I had to move my boys further away from your "fans". The fact is most of these "fans" has never played the game, coached or refereed in their lives. These "fans" are just a bunch of angry white guys tanked up on liquor. Truthfully it was really pathetic. Do they really believe that chanting obscenities from 75 meters away impacts what happens on the pitch? Fat guys leading cheers laced with foul language is rather silly isn't it?"

My favorite part is when she calls all soccer fans in England a bunch of hooligans. I also found it humorous that her article degenerates into personal attacks and insults. If she's calling names and making irresponsible generalizations isn't she basically lowering herself to their level? I mean the Timber's army is made up of only white angry drunks? Don't be a bigot and leave out other races....what about angry Asians? (although i've never sat in section 107)

However, I tend to agree with owner Meritt Paulson, who actually responded to the letter on Canzano's blog, in saying that the Timbers Army shows the type of unbridled passion and unguarded enthusiasm that makes soccer so special. Maybe a bit more guarding of enthusiasm isn't the worst idea (some regulation of f-bombs probably necessary and designating family-friendly sections), but if they were to disband the Timbers Army I think you'd kill that unique energy and atmosphere that a soccer game can offer. I can understand this soccer mom's concerns, but more than likely her three boys probably know all the words chanted that afternoon anyway. Are a few naughty words enough to deprive your child from an exciting experience? Bottomline, you can't raise your kids in a glass jar, the real world doesn't always come with a rating system or some form of censorship - don't attend the games or deal with it. Either way, I think the Timbers will be fine and that's my two cents.

Read the article at Oregonlive: (http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf/2009/05/open_letter_to_the_timbers_arm.html)

Bad fans?