Rimando Given A Hard Time By LAFC Fans
Nov 2, 2018, 8:07 PM
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – It was a playoff atmosphere Thursday night at Banc of California Stadium for the knockout match between Real Salt Lake and LAFC. The LAFC fans made sure it was a hostile venue for visiting RSL.
Goalkeeper Nick Rimando got the brunt of the crowd’s fury as fans threw a multiple of items at the RSL net minder. Toilet paper, trash, beer and even homophobic slurs were thrown at the 19-year keeper. The actions of the fans were so distracting to the players on the field that the game was delayed for five minutes around the 32nd minute.
Once play resumed, RSL rolled to a shocked 3-2 upset win over No. 3 seeded LAFC.
Rimando Speaks Postgame
After the game, Rimando, a Los Angeles native, found the humor in the beer-throwing with a post on Twitter.
Emotions were high last night but I must say I’m very disappointed in LAFC crowd last night. If your gonna throw a beer at least make sure it has a top on it and I’m looking. I prefer @goldenroadbrew @RowdysBrewCo & Highland Park when in LA. 🍻
— Nick Rimando (@NickRimando) November 2, 2018
He also stated his support of the LGBTQ community in response to a fan’s disappointment to a chant that was being recited by the LAFC fans.
🏳️🌈❤️ https://t.co/LTPHnNF77n
— Nick Rimando (@NickRimando) November 2, 2018
Despite everything that Rimando experienced in the game, he took the high road in his appreciation for his opponent.
Side note:
Don’t let a few salty fans take away what @LAFC brought to the league this year. I applaud their passion, front office, and team for adding another fantastic franchise to @MLS
— Nick Rimando (@NickRimando) November 2, 2018
Fans Weigh In
Fans of RSL and LAFC weighed in a Rimando’s game within the game against the fans.
Does the 3252 supporters group at #LAFC mean the total number of items they will throw on to the field and at keeper Nick Rimando.
Game is suspended at the moment.
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) November 2, 2018
Does the 3252 supporters group at #LAFC mean the total number of items they will throw on to the field and at keeper Nick Rimando.
Game is suspended at the moment.
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) November 2, 2018
I’m not okay with trashing our field!
Come on guys we’re better than this.
I’m also not okay with @NickRimando being a cry baby, trying to incite the fans and trying to start fights with the fans#LAFC
— G🦃🦃ble Arcangel Reyes (@Arcangelreyes10) November 2, 2018
Let this be an example that the Universe does not favor those that disrespect the 🐐 @NickRimando #rsl
— Matt Healey (@Phealey801) November 2, 2018
You threw beer and stuff at him… hes just supposed to take it?
— olgoldenbeard (@BradyWice) November 2, 2018
I’m so disappointed. Stop ruining this. Don’t ever disgrace the game by throwing garbage. And at Nick Rimando? A national treasure! 😞
— chandrima (@chandrimatweets) November 2, 2018
