Why are LA Galaxy fans boycotting the team’s matches?

With a fresh season just days away, it is normally a time for sports fans to be feeling upbeat, positive about what may lie ahead, no matter what has come before. As most of us know from experience, this optimism can often be short lived but, at least before a ball has been kicked, it’s nice while it lasts.

Unfortunately this sensation is not one that is being experienced for most in and around LA Galaxy.

What’s going on between owners and fans at LA Galaxy?

Since lifting the MLS Cup in 2014, things at the club have not been going well. The name continues to register attention across America and beyond but despite being one of the most successful clubs in the US -- a record five MLS Cups and four runners-up medals, not to mention eight Western Conference titles testament to that -- the franchise has done little in the last decade to merit such fame. A key reason for this, say supporters, is the contract extension of club president Chris Klein, and the following statement was issued about their actions.

‘Given recent news regarding Chris Klein’s contract extension, leadership of the Los Angeles Galaxy supporters groups have unanimously agreed not to attend any matches until change in the front office is made.

‘We encourage fans of the club at all levels, whether members of organized support or otherwise, to join us in this action.

‘This boycott does not come from animosity to the players and coaching staff, rather a frustration with continued front office practices that have placed off-field business in higher importance than on-field product.

‘Our expectation is that executive leadership for our club will work with transparency, with honesty, and with professionalism. We demand that all involved have pride in our colors, as we do. We will no longer tolerate the types of dishonest and apathetic business practices which have embarrassingly come to characterize our front office and executive operations.

‘We will not return to the stands until change is made at the highest level. We prom- ise to collectively ensure that our club returns to operating with integrity and openness as it has in the past. We will accept nothing less.’

This was signed off on behalf of the the Galaxians, LA Riot Squad, Angel City Brigade, Galaxy Outlawz and the Ghost Ultras Galaxy.

How has LA Galaxy responded to fans boycott?

Clearly there are a number of management approaches that can be taken in the face of a backlash from fans. In LA, club officials have said they have attempted to listen and speak with the groups but there does not appear to be any sign that they will back down on the structure. Which leaves us at an impasse.

Galaxy manager Greg Vanney had his say on the matter.

“There’s things out there that fans and supporters can impact, and there’s things that they’re probably not going to impact. And so then it just becomes a distraction, because it’s not going to change anything. I hope that there’s a resolution, and the supporters’ groups, who are really important to all of us, and to the players, find the right way, whatever the resolution is for them to show up. Because it is probably not going to be ‘Chris out.’”

Vanney’s final comment was exactly what we’ve seen on banners created and held up in significant numbers by the fan groups as protests have continued across preseason, new kit launch, and now into the new season. President of the LA Riot Squad, Andrew Alesana, gave his thoughts.

“I think it will shock the Galaxy. I think the Galaxy position is, ‘Let it go. Let it pass. Time heals all wounds,’ type thing.

“But I don’t think this is going to be good for them.”

LA Galaxy begin their campaign in El Tráfico against local rivals LAFC on Sunday 26 February, and we’ll have live coverage right here in AS USA.