CLASS! DeGRANDPRE GOES TO BAT FOR RBNY FANS! (ESC v. NJSEA Protest - PT.II)

As promised, here is your ESC v. NJSEA Protest update …

And what an interesting turn it has taken.

RBNY MANAGING DIRECTOR MARC de GRANDPRE has stepped into the fray, IN SUPPORT OF RBNY FANS AND THE ESC!

I recall someone saying when season ticket holders speak, clubs listen . .. . .. . hmmm . . who was that dashing young fellow . . . .

Amongst the suggestions, complaints, infighting and chiding on the metrofanatics board this past week over WHAT TO DO, one person took matters into his own hands.

Mr. Gregory Oddo, better known on the Metrofanatics boards as LfcLi30 (dont ask me what it stands for), sent Mr. DeGrandpre this exact letter :

Mr. DeGrandpre,

I am a season ticket holder in section 101, and a member of the Empire Supporters Club. As you well know, all of us in the ESC are fully dedicated to give our club a true home field advantage at every single home game, and even some of the away games. Today, I write you in the hopes that you will recognize and help us continue to create a true futbol atmosphere for this club.

Let me start with some brief history with regards to this feud between ESC and NJSEA. For many years now (since the days of the Metrostars) the ESC has been targeted, provoked, and hassled by the NJSEA security force. Prominent members have been banned and ejected, bloodied, and been targeted for no specific reason by overzealous security. As time wore on, ESC numbers diminished as the Metro front office sat there and did nothing to help alleviate our problem. As you well know, numbers have picked up significantly this year, and 101 has become a true supporters section again, complete with flags, streamers, standing, singing, balloons, confetti and other displays of passion and support. Unfortunately, over the past three home games, security has done all it can to stop us from supporting our club…last nights game in particular. Fans were removed from the section at random, balloons were confiscated, fans were ejected for throwing streamers nowhere near the pitch, I was warned for “foul language” when 200 others were doing the same. Mark, ESC members are absolutely incensed over the treatment of our members, and we are considering a public protest to display our complete and total disdain for the unfair treatment of our club. Last night, there were 40 security guards surrounding our section of 200 at one point. Why the intimidation, Mark? We are just here to support your club you know.

I ask you to please speak with security about this issue. We do not want to bring bad press to the club, but if this continues, we may be forced to.

Respectfully,
Gregory Oddo

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- On a side note, I cant BELIEVE he called him “Mark” in the letter. He’s definitely got a pair for sure!

Overall - Very direct, very to the point . . . and for those reasons, there were many doubters.

Low and behold, look whom decides to write back . . . . .

=====================================================================

Dear Gregory, (I wonder if thats a shot for calling him Mark haha - dave)

First of all, on behalf of our entire organization, I wanted to thank you and the entire ESC for your support this season. You guys have shown that we have the best fans in MLS.

In regards to your concerns about the Giants Stadium security, we do not have any jurisdiction over them since they are all NJSEA employees. Though we encourage your enthusiastic support at our matches, NJSEA has the right to place their own rules and regulations in their own venue.

With that being said, I have scheduled a meeting with NJSEA officials to see if there is anything that could be done to alleviate your concerns and clearly define what behaviour is acceptable/unacceptable by the NJSEA during soccer matches to ensure we are all on the same page moving forward. You will hear back from us regarding the outcome of this meeting.

Again, I want to thank you and ESC for your passion and dedication to this club. With your help, we truly have a home field advantage that the front office, the coaches and most importantly, the players, all appreciate.

Best regards,

Marc de Grandpre

============================================================

I think that, after such a wonderful response from our Director, the ESC boards will probably rename themselves Degrandprefanatics. At least for a few weeks (hey, we New Yorkers are fickle after all!)

The point is that diplomacy ruled the day. As I said in my previous column, SEASON TICKET HOLDERS HAVE POWER! ESPECIALLY IN A SMALL ORGANIZATION! Mr. Oddo (or GREG as I know em! ha, just kidding of course) was the only person to take the professional, tried and true method of resolution - communication, in the form of a letter. And check out the results

On top of that, who wants to see an empty section 101 anyway? How crappy would an RBNY game be WITHOUT the ESC there screaming, singing and shouting up a storm.

The resolution to this was the best for both fans and management - we dont harm their games atmosphere through protest, and the fans, in return, get the opportunity to have a voice through our head honcho.

What an amazing story. And its only just beginning. If there is any more news, you will be the first to know.

Cheers.

(QUICK EDIT: In my article July 30th right here, I alluded to the fact that Mr. De Grandpre’s biggest problem was that he isnt “one of us.” This is a giant first step in changing all that.)

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