Southsiders still unhappy with Whitecaps’ handling of abuse claims; fans plan another walkout
Posted May 9, 2019 8:57 am.
Last Updated November 4, 2021 10:36 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Vancouver Whitecaps could be in for a rough ride again — off the pitch.
For the third straight game, some fans will walk out during the tilt against Portland Friday night.
Travis Prasad with CityNews says the Southsiders are not happy with how the club is handling sexual misconduct allegations against a former Whitecaps Women’s coach, despite the club issuing an apology.
Related video: Southsiders respond to Whitecaps’ apology
This comes after Whitecaps supporters had a private meeting with the team’s executives and co-owner Jeff Mallett on Tuesday. The Southsiders say they had questions and requests for the team following the Whitecaps May 1st statement on abuse allegations.
Fans, however, didn’t get what they wanted out of the meeting.
“We disagree with the media strategy consisting primarily of silence, that the Whitecaps are using , and encourage them to openly and promptly answer questions from all media,” the Southsiders say in a statement.
Dissatisfied with latest meeting with Whitecaps leadership including co-owner Jeff Mallett, @Southsiders are calling for another walkout during Friday’s match vs the Portland Timbers at BC Place— you can expect Timbers fans to join them as well. Details for walkout here: #VWFC pic.twitter.com/rN3FErIUY1
— Martin MacMahon (@martinmacmahon) May 9, 2019
Earlier this year, Ciara McCormack, who played for the team during 2002, 2005-06 and 2011, said she witnessed a number of problematic situations during her second and third periods with the squad. She outlined her concerns in a 7,000-word blog post, including accusations of sexual text messages from a coach to underage players and another coach pressuring a player to sleep in his hotel room.
In it’s statement earlier this month, the Whitecaps apologized “for the harm that has clearly come to many women who participated in our program.”
Related video: Whitecaps fans walk out again
The Southsiders are expected to be joined in their walkout by members of the Portland Timbers’ fan club.
The Whitecaps supporters say they want the protest to highlight the importance of athlete safety.
