Union fans make their displeasure known

There were quite a few upset Union fans who checked in after reading the game story from Saturday's 3-2 Major League Soccer win over visiting Chivas USA.

The story began by telling how the Union were booed after a lackluster first half in which they trailed, 1-0.

"How dare you suggest we boo our team," went many an e-mail.

Of course, those who protested said that the boos were directed toward the referees, not the players.

We're not sure every single boo was for the refs, although earlier this week Union team manager Peter Nowak said he thought they were directed at the officials. He praised the efforts of the PPL faithful.

"Teams work for years to get the fan support that we have developed," Nowak said. "We are all pulling together like one big family."

A number of e-mails were from the Sons of Ben fan club members, who said they would never do something as despicable as booing their team.

It makes one feel like he is living in St. Louis.

It's hard to believe that each of the 18,139 fans directed every single boo toward the officials, although in fairness, there wasn't one e-mail from anybody who admitted to booing the team. One observer, however, suggested some of the boos could have been for the result (losing, 1-0, at halftime), instead of being directed at the team.

What's the difference?

Either way, there is no use splitting hairs. The point is that the Union fans are fiercely loyal, and most consider booing their team an act of treason.

Now while we're at it, the behavior of the Sons of Ben should be addressed.

First off, the Sons of Ben have been lauded by league officials and visiting players to this reporter and many others for their dedication and spirit.

This fan club gives the Union a great home-field advantage, cheering the entire game and getting on the opponents. Is it a coincidence that the Union are 5-0-4 at home?

Now, to the negative - and you had to know it was coming.

There are chants that this group should remove from their repertoire, especially the one that comes after an opponent takes a goal kick.

What's more embarrassing: hearing an opponent called a name that nobody reading this would like to be known as, or booing the home team?

Of course, when this complaint has been brought up to some members, the argument always is that much worse things are being said in soccer stadiums around the world.

So that is supposed to give everybody a free pass?

The Sons of Ben are clever and they can get on the opponent just as well without crossing the line.

Already one can anticipate the argument from the loyalists - that this reporter doesn't know the soccer culture and this is accepted worldwide.

Well, maybe the culture should change, especially since many young children attend these games.

There are a lot of dumb things that go on in sports and are chalked up to being part of tradition.

Dumping a bucket of water on the winning coach ranks right up there.

Nobody has ever provided a convincing argument why this is such a meaningful endeavor.

But back to the booing.

Not that we advocate it, but booing the home team doesn't necessarily make a bad fan base. Philadelphians have thrived on the reputation that has made this city (and any outlying areas such as Chester) the booing capital of the sports world.

So if one or two of the boos were directed toward the team, it would not be a poor reflection of the fans.

If chants that use words that you wouldn't say to family members remain, that would be much worse.

We don't expect the Sons of Ben or other Union supporters to agree with this last statement.

In fact, we can already anticipate their reaction to this column - BOOOOO!