ACES09 to MLS Fans: "It's ok to mock Fredy Montero"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) April 6, 2009 -- Seattle Sounders FC star striker Fredy Montero is currently under investigation for his alleged involvement in a sexual assault.

Given the sensitive nature of the situation, fans of other Major League Soccer clubs have debated how to respond appropriately in order to strike the right balance between decorum the provocative messages common of soccer support.

As a Seattle Sounders related topic that has been discussed heavily by followers of the sport across North America, the Montero saga has implications on the ACES09 agenda. For this reason, ACES09 has released a statement on how fans of other clubs might respond to this sensitive situation.

“Certainly the underlying circumstances are serious. Whether the reality is an actual assault perpetrated by Montero or an attempt at extortion on the part of the accuser, there is a victim in this case either way. But outside of the accuser and the accused, nobody is in a position yet to be able to determine who the victim is.” said Andrew Wheaton, Columbus Crew supporter and ACES09 co-founder.

“When a star athlete is accused of these types of crimes, many people are quick to assume the woman is lying. We think it is important to avoid condemning either of the parties until the legal processes have run their course, but Montero’s status as a high profile professional athlete changes the rules about how to fans can respond.” said Wheaton.

“Fan support in any sport is all about giving the home team an extra advantage. Tongue-in-cheek lampooning of Montero for his current predicament is well within the realm of the types of antics used by soccer fans around the world to distract opposing players.”

“For the sake of the league and the parties involved, we sincerely hope Montero is innocent. However, supporters of other clubs should consider it within bounds to create banners and compose chants making light of Montero’s situation – as long as they do not promote bigotry or violence.” added Wheaton.

ACES09 is offering free scarves for anyone who sends in videos of in-game chants or photos of banners on this or any Anti-Sounders topic. Multi-media submissions should be sent to massive@aces09.com.

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ACES09 is a loosely assembled movement of North American soccer fans supporting teams at all levels of the sport whose cause is fostering the growth of our leagues and supporters culture on this continent. To that end, ACES09 has taken a stance both condemning aspects of the Sounders FC organization and challenging the supporters in Seattle to represent the league well. We want the best for the game on this continent. That is why we support any club except Seattle. www.aces09.com

ACES09     Fredy Montero     major league soccer     Seattle Sounders