Donk's Blog
Dedicated to all RSL fans who keep getting kicked in the nuts by their team

Still mouring

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This entry was posted on 8/16/2007 8:52 AM and is filed under uncategorized.

Yes this isn't about RSL, but my true favorite team AC Sparta Praha.  They palyed valiently against the Arse yesterday, dominated most of play but just couldn't put one in the net.  Meanwhile the Arse caught them off guard for the first goal at the 72nd minute and then caught them on a counter attack because they were pushing hard for the equalizer.  Got to hand it to Alexandr Hleb from the Arse though, he is having a great season so far.  Hopefully things will be reversed in two weeks at the Emirates. 

As for RSL, lots going on.  Meet the team night is tonight at Snowbird.  Last year was a zoo with the crowds and the lack of planning.  This year, being mid week, shouldn't be near as bad.  I will not be making the trip because it is mid week.  Hopefully this time the FO pulls their heads out of their asses and has merchandise on hand for people to buy to get signed.  No, that would make way too much sense.

Speaking of the FO, is there any way we could make a trade with DC to bring in Kevin Payne.  Maybe give them our first round picks an allocation and our FO and let him hire whoever he wants to replace everyone?  Just read this article from the Washington Post about DC United and Barra Brava.  This is how it should work, not the antagonistic way the RSL FO tries to control our supporter's groups.  For every 1 complaint, there are plenty that like what we do, but just figure it's all part of the soccer experience and don't ever say anything.  Yes Utah tends to be hyper-sensitive to things like language and alcohol consumption, but that's why you need a designated family section and a designated supporter's section.  By designated, I'm talking things like signage and ticket reps who will actually tell someone what they are buying a seat right behind a group that stands the whole match.  They can do it for KFC tickets, why not for the supporter's groups?  And family designated sections are great too in that drunken assholes like me don't wander into an area that has families who are sensitive about that sort of thing.  I know that places like the Emirates, Stamford Bridge, and even Ibrox have family sections, but we should all realize that RSL is nowhere near the professional organization that is Arsenal, Chel$ki, or Rangers, which is unfortunate.

Now for the Fire.  If there is any player on Earth I dislike more than someone who plays for Man Ure, it's Blanco.  I thik it's extremely entertaining to watch Mexico get beat by the US, even though we never play them in Mexico.  Blanco just bothers me.  The only time I'm really a USA fan is when they play Mexico (well Guatemala too, since Carlos Ruiz is right behind Blanco is players I don't like).  I think if RSL plays like they have the last few matches, they have a good chance at winning.  I think that right now that's still a big if and will be until RSL is no longer in the basement.  That said, should be a fun one  to watch.  Now I just need to find a supply of Strongbow or Staropramen.

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    • 8/16/2007 10:59 PM koolkeith13 wrote:
      First, gotta give you props for being in the top 85% of the GRE. Congrats! You must've worked your tail off for that one.

      The thing I want to comment on is the family designated areas. We do kind of have our own area at Qwest for the ECS folks. Since we only draw about 3,000 people on average we get one whole section on the east side of the stadium and can hoot and holler there.

      Is there any way your group can get ahold of the FO and convince them to work with you so that there is atmosphere and you don't tread on other fans? Seems like Rice-Eccles Stadium can hold a few more folks that show up (looks like average is about half full) so it seems pretty fair. Now, I think the best way is to start out small and work your way up. You don't wanna bring all your banners and tifo and stuff all in one go or else the 5-0 might freak.

      I dunno. Just some thoughts. Again, apologies about the mixup on BS.com

      -KoolKeith13
      Reply to this
      1. 8/17/2007 7:07 AM RCB Donk wrote:
        We've been talking to the RSL FO for two years now and have been saying the same thing for 2 years and nothing has happened yet.  We have tried to compromise with them, but what happens is that we make concessions and they don't hold up their end of the deal.  So we just stopped making concessions until they make the first move.  We figure that if they truly wanted the problem solved they would do it and that the ball is in their court fully now.  The difference is that with the Sounders (my favorite USL team by the way, my wife's family is from Seattle) you have a quality organization that "gets it" with soccer.  With RSL you have a family run business where nepotism and cluelessness prevail.  By the way, great win over the cRapids.  I guess you now see why we hate them over here.


        I never take BS very seriously anyway, so don't sweat it.

        Reply to this
    • 8/17/2007 1:29 PM koolkeith13 wrote:
      Your words are truly amazing. I honestly find it shocking how terribly run a lot of these clubs are. I understand there are going to be some cultural gaffes that are VERY HARD to work around in Utah. But still, I really think you are doing the high brow thing here and trying to work around the views of others. I appreciate that and I would probably be on of the guys REALLY toeing the line (not with cursing but I do drink a cold one or two...).

      But on the other hand there are liberties that this country does afford you. So, as much as I like to be respectful of the fact that some of the fellow fans may not appreciate alcohol or some of the Ultra elements, it really is up to the FO to make sure everyone is having the best possible time, right?
      Reply to this
    • 8/17/2007 3:30 PM koolkeith13 wrote:
      Also, you might want to send your FO this article. It essentially explains how it CAN and DOES happen.

      http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/14/AR2007081401343.html?sub=AR
      Reply to this
    • 8/17/2007 5:11 PM mr? wrote:
      donk you have been kicked out of the section that you have been in every year maybe fo isnt the problem and please sit where your tickets are i know your group does not all have tickets in 38 i have no hard feeling at all but do you think maybe it isnt about you but the beautiful game and you are running people out thanks for your time and see you at the game yes i sit in 38 and have from day one you and rcb have changed the section and not for the better you came into a family section we didnt find you do your research and find a section that wants you
      Reply to this
      1. 8/17/2007 9:16 PM RCB Donk wrote:
        Maybe if you actually did some research instead of just bitch you would know that the FO moved us to E38 for last year for a couple of reasons.  The biggest was that RCB and the Loyalists needed space from each other.  The other reason is that E38 was mostly deserted.  Our members for this year bought over 20 season tickets in E38.  I would actually be more content over in the north goal, but the FO specifically moved us to E38, so again, if they don't deal with the issues involved in their decision, knowing full what what we do, that's their problem, not ours.  This is what we are asking for when we say we want a DESIGNATED area for the group, we don't want to bother you, but we still want to enjoy the game our way.  I don't think they quite get what the issue even is, much less what to do about it.  We don't want to bother the families around us, but we also want to do our thing and this was the section they suggested we do it in.  I want family sections, I know E38 was a family section before we came around, but this is exactly what I am trying to say.  What sort of warning did you get that we were coming to E38 until we were already there? 

        The problems involved with RCB and family type fans can easily be avoided if the FO does what we've requested and I'm sure you would agree with, which is to at the very least tell people what is going to happen in E38 and make arrangements for those who are not ok with that to be moved to an equivalently priced section that is not like that.  This is what we want with a designated area, that people are told what is going to happen and have fair warning beforehand. 

        Now one other issue I have with my particular seat, E38, row 1 seat 16 is that seats 17 and 18 are not people in RCB, but are generally sold at the box office as walk up tickets.  I made it clear to my ticket rep that I was an RCB member and wanted a seat with the rest of RCB (I actually requested row 2 seat 20 (which is still available by the way) but when I picked up my tickets, I had the seat I have now which is two seats away from the rest of the group.  It is this sort of thing that drives everyone nuts and exactly why we have the issue we face. 

        I learned soccer going to Sparta Praha games and hanging with the Ultras.  To me, that's what being a fan is all about.  I can talk tactics and all that, but when I go to see a live match, I want to sing, drink beer, wave my flag, and jump around.  I understand that's not for everyone  Everyone has a place in the stadium, both family types like you who want to sit and watch and supporter group types like me who want to sing and everything else.  That's all we are asking for, that's all we've ever asked for is a place where we can do that and not step on the game for others.  Since nothing we've suggested and made concessions for have ever materialized on the part of the team, we stopped trying to meet them in the middle.  I hope you can understand my frustration, it's not directed at you, it's directed at the situation that we all find ourselves in because the group with the power to actually solve the problem refuses to do so and just blames the fact that they don't own RES for everything and "it will all change with the new stadium."  Knowing the track record, I highly doubt that things will be any different in the new stadium.  I think it really comes down to the question, if they can designate the Colonel's Corner, why can't they do the same for RCB, the Loyalists, and family sections?

        Reply to this
    • 8/17/2007 11:25 PM mr? wrote:
      donk thanks for your reply its not the singing standing or anything but some of the phrases and words that rcb uses that my kids have asked me to explain please dont think im a prude just a dad ithink you have a right to be who you are and my kids and i should get the same right maybe the thing to do is to meet at the game talk about what we can do to help each other i love where i sit and really dont want to move i have had that offer from the fo to move but i dont want to i think the best thing to do is to give you something like the north goal and declare it so if you think we can find a common ground lets do it and both of us take it to the fo i sit at e38 row 1 seats 5&6 i know who you are and im sure you know who i am by the way donk my name is paul thanks for your time and input hope to talk to you at the game
      Reply to this
      1. 8/18/2007 8:29 AM RCB Donk wrote:
        Looking forward to it.  Personally I would prefer to keep the FO out of it as that tends to get things screwed up and not solve anything but any time you open up an adult dialogue with someone you make progress.  In fact, it may be best if you come talk to me at least and hopefully the rest of RCB leadership before the game at our tailgate.  We're in the middle of the west parking lot.  You're welcome to some hot dogs or what ever other dead animal we're grilling up too.

        Reply to this
    • 8/18/2007 9:39 AM paul wrote:
      donk thanks for the invite i guess the only thing i need to know is what can i bring although not a beer drinker anymore 20 years sober not against buying you a beer what your flavor?
      Reply to this
      1. 8/18/2007 1:39 PM RCB Donk wrote:
        Bring whatever you want.  Not all of us drink and there are usually stuff for those who don't.  As for meat, we've got a grill, so whatever you want to put on it.  I'll be brining so brats or polish sausage, which you are welcome to.  Someone usually picks up some pizza.  As for beer, don't worry about it, I already have my supply which I won't tempt you with because I have nothing but respect for someone who has gone sober.  Usually I drink a Czech beer, Staropramen is the best I can get in Utah, but Budvar if I know anyone going out of state.  I got introduced to cider ale at one of the last games so that's good too.  There should be plenty of stuff, just show up, kick a ball around have a good time. 

        Reply to this
    • 8/20/2007 11:17 AM koolkeith13 wrote:
      Careful Paul. This is how you join the ranks of an Ultras group. They seem all nice and inocuous and then you realize that you're just as rowdy (without the language or whatever).

      Good to see you guys are having a dialogue. Maybe since this understanding has been reached Paul could also be the sane "liason" to explain to other folks in the section and get them on board to help the RCS Ultras cause! Lovin it!
      Reply to this
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