Why have LAFC been fined and had a fan group suspended just before the MLS Cup final?

The sanctions are related to an incident that took place before the Western Conference final against Houston Dynamo at BMO Stadium.

Bryan ArellanoBryxn_ARoddy ConsRoddyConsEstados UnidosUpdate: Dec 7th, 2023 16:17 EST

Armando ArorizoEFE

Columbus Crew and LAFC will fight it out for the MLS Cup on Saturday 9 December at Lower.com Field in Ohio, with the hosts riding on the crest of a wave after their dramatic comeback to win the Eastern Conference final against FC Cincinnati and the visitors aiming to win the competition for a second successive year.

How much have LAFC been fined?

However, in the run-up to their biggest game of the season, the Californians have been hit by a fine of $100,000 by Major League Soccer, who also indefinitely suspended the 3252 fan group due to “serious misconduct”.

MLS has sanctioned the #LAFC supporter group @LAFC3252 for "failing to meet required safety protocols" (AKA – the flares).LAFC was fined $100,000, and the supporters' group will have all supporter privileges indefinitely suspended pending the completion of MLS and LAFC’s… https://t.co/U5ABFnNDRk pic.twitter.com/UBN0lYy14C

— José Roberto Nuñez (@JoserNunez91) December 7, 2023

“For failing to meet required safety protocols, LAFC has been fined $100,000 and will be subject to League oversight related to security and supporter management processes,” reads a statement put out by the league.

When does the supporter group suspension come into effect?

Fans belonging to the 3252 fan group, meanwhile, will have “all privileges indefinitely suspended” for the 2024 season, with “restrictions” put in place for Saturday’s MLS Cup game.