We came, we wore black... some of us even sat down for a little while. And they'll never forget it! Now they know we mean business!
Or not.
Efforts to make a statement at yesterday's MLS All-Star Game made it an interesting, if unexciting, experience. Sitting/Standing/Wallowing in section 112, I didn't know what to do. Often, I found myself halfway through a chant before petering out into a mild murmur and returning to my seat.
I wasn't alone in my confusion. Some people were adamant that the entire section take part in the silent protest against the potential loss of BMO Field as a soccer specific stadium. They insisted, rather vehemently, that we all sit down. "Sit down, you cunts!" I think, was the exact phrasing of their request.
Others didn't care. They stood. They sang. They even cheered.
To what effect was all this madness?
Well, some media have picked up on it, sort of. The Toronto Star and the Toronto Sun both made reference to the deafening sound of silence emanating from the south-east corner, noting that we didn't come alive until Jim Brennan and Dwayne DeRosario took to the pitch. They even made passing mention to the issue with the Argonauts.
Of course, the rather unfortunate story of the day was the major disaster of the national anthems. I have to admit, when it appeared that only the English and American flags were out, and only their anthems would be played, I was right pissed. It seemed impossible. It seemed outrageous! How could they not play my anthem in my country!
No doubt it looked bad and sounded worse when masses of people started booing during the American National anthem. It's disgraceful to show disrespect to the anthems of other nations. But, hopefully people will understand that the booing was not for the American anthem, but for the absence of our own. I know that doesn't change the effect or the outcome, but what... the fuck... did MLS expect? You can't do that!
It turned out to simply be a communications error. In the end, Canada's anthem was featured appropriately after the rest of the ceremonies. Apparently, this was outlined in the program that, it seems, nobody picked up or read. But that kind of information would have been helpful in an announcement at the start. It would have saved the MLS a good deal of embarrassment.
Anyway, once the smoke cleared and we were able to sit down and shut up and try really hard to NOT enjoy the game or have fun... I actually had fun.
I even enjoyed watching David Beckham (who, to his great credit, did gesture to our section at the end of the match and applaud us). Certainly, having him in our corner for a kick was a highlight for us. We have been waiting for the opportunity for some time.
But the biggest moment of our night came when Jimmy B entered the match, along with country-mate Dwayne DeRosario. Add to that a DeRo penalty kick goal, and you've got yourself some loud, boisterous fans. We were won over. We let go of our political viewpoints and issues and joined in the party.
It's what won the day, I would say. After all, without us... what have you got?
Here are some highlights, including the half-hearted and rather tepid chanting at the beginning of the match, a David Beckham in Toronto corner kick, and... yes... Jimmy B!
