There’s no doubt Timbers fans love mugging for the camera, but maybe not to this extent: The Vancouver Sun is reporting away fans at Cascadia Cup matches will be required to have their pictures taken upon entry into the respective Northwest stadiums, in accordance with MLS rules. And not for a quirky billboard campaign — for safety!
Photographing fans (and requiring chaperones!) all seemed a bit over the top at first glance, especially since Northwest fans have generally gotten along despite the fierce nature of the three-way Cascadia rivalry. The Vancouver Whitecaps’ supporters — the Southsiders — have since reported the team and CEO Paul Barber have no plans to photograph visiting fans. Which is weird, since Barber brought the issue up in the first place.
So, whatdya think, Blogtown? Is photographing fans a valid measure to dissuade rowdy behavior or is it nothing more than an MLSPATRIOT ACT?
More EXTRA TIME links to catch you up on Timbers news after the jump, along with David Bowie’s take on the (possibly non-existent) controversy.
EXTRA TIME! Links designed to scare the hell out of Canadians.
* Paul Danzer of The Columbian reports no “drastic changes” to the Timbers’ lineup against Toronto, but any defensive lapses need to be left on the bench.
* Ryan Gates of Stumptown Footy goes over where the Timbers need to improve against Toronto, starting with possession.
* Dropping Timber has video and photos from Wednesday’s practice and a roundup of (admittedly early) power rankings from around the ‘net.
* Timbers Insider Kelly McClain has some insights and news from this week’s training.
* Doug Binder of MLSsoccer.com says Portland is ready to “move on” against Toronto.
* Coach John Spencer and midfielder Ryan Pore talk Toronto.
* Brian Costello (former Mercury Timbers blogger!) outlines “the Cooper effect.”
* Geoffrey C. Arnold of The O says facing a weaker Toronto team should help the Timbers with a much-needed attitude adjustment.
* The Timbers’ first international friendly at Jeld-Wen Field is scheduled for May 25 against renowned Dutch club AFC Ajax.
* O-Live Timbers blogger Kip Kesgard says now that the dust has settled from the opener, hope springs eternal.
* James Murphy is having little trouble letting go of our national pastime and shifting his energies toward The Beautiful Game.
* Bill Roberson of KATU goes in-depth on the city council’s decision to raise parking rates around Jeld-Wen Field to $3.50 per hour. In other words, TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
* “Jeld-Wen Field” rolls off the tongue compared the Seattle’s new home pitch.
* Timbers owner Merritt Paulson was named one of Sports Business Journal’s “40 under 40,” reads US Weekly.
Getting your picture taken won’t seem so bad in a few years when they’ll be groping your privates or taking full body scans like in airports now.
A violation of personal liberty that will insure I never attend.
The Whitecaps CEO who was quoted in that story now says there have never been any plans to take pictures of the away supporters but that in Vancouver they plan to check photo IDs to match to the name on the ticket.
Although, how that’s going to work logistically is another story. And they definitely won’t be doing it at Jeld-Wen or Qwest… err, the CLink. I highly doubt even the ID checking will be done at BC Place when the Timbers play there.
Anyway, it’s possible he just misspoke in that first interview and meant to say photo IDs instead of photographs. Or they’ve quickly backtracked when they realized what an amazingly dumb idea it was.