Tradition matters to the Emerald City Supporters. Changing any of those traditions isn’t done lightly. So when we gathered in Occidental Park to march to the match before the 2024 season’s home opener, we had to tell people why we were handing out two poles and spreading the message “Free Beez.” We had to explain why we weren’t going to be marching to Royal Brougham Park as usual, but rather to the property line of Lumen Field (for those that use RBP’s government name).

You see, after a match last November, one of our members received an email notifying them that they had been hit with a six month ban from all Sounders events and all events at the stadium. No explanation in the message as to why. No phone call explaining the situation. No process for appeal. No means to provide their account of events or simply understand the circumstances leading to the decision to impose a ban. No opportunity for discussion before being given a six month ban.

Once information was provided, multiple individuals were able to provide statements that disputed the allegations against this member. Ultimately, none of it mattered and we were all left wondering why?

We could provide a full accounting of the events leading to Saturday’s truncated march, but the important thing here is that we are asking for transparency and fairness in policies that impact not just the ECS, but every fan that attends a match. Any one of you could receive a six month ban with no explanation and no formal appeals process. No chance to defend yourself before a ban is implemented.

Just prior to the match in which this member received a six month ban, other members were given a one-match ban for actions which they are known to have had no involvement. Similarly, there was no opportunity for these members to appeal the decision. They were told there was security footage of them, which would have been a very simple way for them to prove they had no involvement. However, they were told that they are unable to view that footage. So, they were forced to submit to bans for having done nothing.

Furthermore, if the intent of a ban is to discourage poor and/or flagrant behavior, transparency would benefit all parties, allowing individuals to accept responsibility for their actions, reflect on their behavior, and make the decision to change. Handing out bans with no explanation and no dialogue fosters resentment and prevents personal growth. The current process is simply punitive with no representation or opportunity for improved relations.

It is easy to dismiss this as an ECS problem, but the same policies govern every fan in the building and all others across MLS. We don’t believe it is unreasonable to ask that a fair and transparent process be created that allows individuals to receive information that disciplinary actions are being considered, the reasons for those considerations, and an opportunity to provide a response before action is taken.