ECS sitting out West Ham friendly, but ‘this is not a protest`

When the Seattle Sounders host West Ham United in a friendly next Tuesday, the stands will probably be a bit more subdued than normal. Emerald City Supporters, the Sounders’ largest supporters group, has announced they’ll be sitting that game out. They’ll be donating the 50 tickets they collectively own as a group to the Boys & Girls Club of King County, as well as inviting individual members to do so as well.

"All game day operations divisions including tifo crews, capos, drummers, and security personnel have the day off," ECS wrote on their website. "There will be no color posted, no capo stands installed, and no amplification provided."

While ECS made it clear that they "disapprove" of mid-season friendlies, they also were clear on the idea that "this is not a protest."

Back in 2010, ECS did something similar for the Chivas de Guadalajara friendly. The Chivas game was the third international friendly that season and came amidst participation in both CONCACAF Champions League and the U.S. Open Cup. Since then, the Sounders have never scheduled more than one friendly in a season.