Calls placed to the Chester Police Department late yesterday to confirm were unsuccessful, but court records online showed that the pair facing the most serious charges were Kevin John Diamond, 34, of Queens, N.Y., and James Andrew Shields, 30, of Bronx, N.Y. The "drunken idiot" was not listed.
Late in the second half, with their team trailing, three Celtic supporters sitting in the endline section set off flares that lit up the southeast stands, much to the dismay of fans who now had their view of the game obstructed by plumes of smoke.
Veit said security asked the men to extinguish the hazardous items. Instead, the men decided to dance around, swinging the flares above their heads. Two of the men then got into a scuffle with police, and stadium officials added resisting arrest charges.
In Europe and South America, it's customary for flares to be set off during soccer matches. In fact, it's arguable that the bright light and the smoke actually add to the ambience. However, flares are banned in all MLS stadiums - much to the dismay of Chicago Fire and Los Angeles Galaxy supporters who had a penchant for lighting a flare or two in the past.
Veit was not too pleased about the situation.
"We work very closely with our fans to try and make [PPL Park] a fun environment," Veit said. "The guys in supporters section use some [smoke effects], too, but we know what they are using. We want everyone to come here and have fun, but when you get some drunken idiots that bring in flares, which have the potential to burn and maim people, we have zero tolerance for that, and we agree with the actions of the Chester Police Department wholeheartedly."
I'll admit, the flares added a moment of fandom rarely seen in this part of the world, and it was cool to witness. But in this country, where fandom is trumped by fans' safety, most people can wholeheartedly agree with the actions of Chester police.
Coudet a keeper
