‘Sector Latino’ is history. The Chicago Fire closed this popular supporter group for violating the Fan Code of Conduct repeatedly and even being responsible for multiple violent incidents.
After several warnings to ‘Sector Latino,’ the Fire notified the supporter group, with more than ten years of history and located in section 101 at Toyota Park, of its termination through a letter sent to its leadership. The group’s members will be refunded for their tickets.
Last Saturday, we spoke with club president and general manager Nelson Rodriguez in an exclusive interview where he explained what happened.
Why was ‘Sector Latino’ eliminated?
“We can’t compromise the safety of the fans. Sadly, members of this group (‘Sector Latino’) have been detrimental to their safety for some time. We tried many times to work with the group’s leadership, but they kept disrespecting the Fan Code of Conduct.”
Was it a difficult decision to make?
“On one hand, it was easy in order to protect all fans, which comes first. We want a safe stadium, a safe environment. We want fans to come and enjoy with no danger of being attacked. But it’s a shame because we know there are people in that group that didn’t act that way. Last year, we kicked out seven members for an entire year. But when members of the leadership violate the Fan Code of Conduct and are involved in attacks, then they leave us no other choice.”
Why not kick them out immediately as opposed to waiting until after the appeal?
“We gave them that opportunity. Honestly, it could have been a mistake and we should have made the decision sooner, but we knew many of them didn’t act that way and we acknowledge all the years we’ve had together. But when presented with an opportunity to provide information about who did it, they came and told us they didn’t know anything. One can’t hide under a flag and do these things. That was the last opportunity we could have given them.”
Can the members return to the stadium?
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“Yes. We simply don’t recognize the group, meaning they don’t have privileges. There are things I’m learning from this because we don’t have a list of members, something we should have and will have in the coming years because it will help. But when you don’t have it and they don’t give it to you, you don’t have any option. This group doesn’t exist for us anymore. If someone wants to come to buy a ticket and come to a game, they can do it, but without flags, instruments, or an exclusive seat, only as just another fan.”
Can another Latino-based supporter group be formed in the future?
“This has nothing to do with being Latino. I am Latino. This decision is only to protect all fans. We are a club that represents the entire community and we want a team that represents everyone. Latinos belong in this community and are very important to it. We want everyone who supports the club.”