After Toronto FCsuspended all supporters privileges after an incident in the first leg of their Canadian Championship semifinal against Ottawa Fury FC last week, they have been re-instated for groups cleared of involvement ahead of Wednesday's return leg at BMO Field (7:30 pm ET | CanadaSoccer.com).
Groups not cleared continue to have their privileges suspended until the conclusion of a criminal investigation by the Ottawa Police Service, the club said in a statement:
“Toronto FC is currently assisting Ottawa Police with their criminal investigation following the dangerous incident at last week’s match in Ottawa and is also conducting their own internal review of its recognized supporter programs. The club is reviewing its recognized supporter programs to ensure a safe and positive stadium environment for its fans, players and employees.TFC supporter groups that were determined to have no involvement with the incident in Ottawa have had their supporter privileges reinstated beginning with tonight’s match. Supporter privileges for all remaining groups continue to be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.”
The incident involved some TFC fans in Ottawa setting off a flare that eventually led to a brief stoppage in play as the fire made its way onto the pitch.
Toronto won the first leg 1-0 and keep their bid for a third consecutive Voyageurs Cup alive with a draw or victory in the return leg. Winning the Voyageurs Cup would mean a return to the Concacaf Champions League next spring after a run to the final of the 2018 tournament.
