Toronto FC fans cheer as they play against D.C. United during first half MLS soccer action in Toronto on Saturday, October 1, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
October 01, 2016 - 3:57 PM
Toronto FC fans are ending the silent treatment.
The Inebriatti supporters group announced that BMO Field "will once again be a fortress" for Saturday's game against D.C. United.
Inebriatti and other groups in the south stand went quiet for Wednesday's game against Orlando to protest recent sanctions against Inebriatti.
"This is not the end of the issue but collaborative work had begun on finding a fair and equitable solution. We stand together as supporters for this team and for each other," Inebriatti said in a Facebook post.
The club has been at odds with Inebriatti most recently over an obscene banner that was raised in its section during an August loss against visiting Montreal. TFC called the banner "an embarrassment'' to the club and its supporters.
The two people deemed responsible for the offensive sign have been suspended by the club, which has asked Inebriatti members to sign a code of conduct. Until they do, they will have to do without their flags, banners and drums.
The group has said the offensive sign was "not painted by a member of Inebriatti."
In its post Saturday, Inebriatti thanked the team "for continuing to keep the lines of communication open in order to start the dialogue regarding our concerns."
"Now it is time for the news stories and attention in general to be turned back to where it belongs: the players who wear our crest," the group added. "Let's get back to business, we have championships to win."
Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley had urged the feuding fans to get behind the MLS club in the stretch drive of the regular season.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2016