Orlando City supporters decide to banish controversial chant
After a week of controversy surrounding a fan cheer that included an offensive term, Orlando City SC supporter groups have chosen to retire the chant that upset many in the local community.
"The leadership of both the Iron Lion Firm and The Ruckus have jointly decided to retire the chant altogether," wrote Orlando City vice president of communications Leonardo Santiago in an email to Yahoo Sports, "eliminating any confusion for fans and hopefully removing the sensitive term from use at future Orlando City matches."
The chant in question used the word "retarded," which deeply upset families with children with Down Syndrome and even caused one fan to leave the supporter section on multiple occasions.
The groups subbed out the offensive term in favor of "disregarded" before this season and worked to inform fans of the new version, but as Santiago wrote, "unfortunately a number of fans continued to use the term."
Amy Van Bergen, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida, was elated when told of the fan groups’ decision.
"I am really thrilled and so pleased and proud they made the decision to retire the chant," she said. "Our community has been big Orlando City soccer supporters and I’m thrilled all families can go support the team now without having to hear that."
Santiago said the club will continue to work to ensure that the team’s code of fan conduct is followed in future matches.
"Our common goal is to create an inclusive, exciting, and vibrant environment at all our home games," he wrote, "and both supporter groups are a vital part of that atmosphere."
Orlando City has had an impressive inaugural season in Major League Soccer, led by Brazilian star Kaka, who is a global ambassador for Special Olympics.
