Major League Soccer team Orlando City has implemented a host of rule changes at Orlando Stadium after fans threw objects onto the pitch during a recent home defeat against Atlanta United.
On May 13, during Orlando’s 2-1 loss to Atlanta, fans threw rubbish onto the field of play and as a result the Florida-based club has announced that all drinks will be poured into cups without lids.
New PA and video board announcements will be made before and during matches to inform fans of the punishments of throwing objects onto the field. More cameras will also be added into the lower bowl of the 25,500-capacity stadium, while a player video discussing fan conduct will be produced.
Orlando City chief executive Alex Leitão said, according to The Maneland fan website: “It’s something that is not acceptable. Something we do not tolerate. I was very sad to see our stadium turn into a trash can from our home fans.”
The club has identified 38 people who will be banned from the stadium following the disturbances.
The stadium will today (Wednesday) host its first match since the changes were introduced when the Orlando Pride women’s team hosts North Carolina. Orlando City’s next home game is against Chicago Fire on Saturday.
The new rules will be in place for all events at the stadium and not just MLS matches.
IMAGE: Elisfkc (Flickr)
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