CF Montreal recently announced that it has imposed indefinite bans on two of its supporters and taken action against one of its supporter groups. This decision follows an investigation carried out by Major League Soccer in response to reports of antisemitic hate speech directed at a player from the New England Revolution during a home game two weeks ago.
In an official online statement, CF Montreal issued an apology to the New England Revolution and all individuals affected by what the team described as “unacceptable behavior.” The statement emphasized that CF Montreal, Stade Saputo, and their community do not tolerate antisemitism, racism, or any form of hate.
The player targeted during the incident was identified by the New England Revolution as forward Dor Turgeman, who is of Israeli descent. A video clip of the game shows a moment where Turgeman scores a goal, prompting him and his teammates to react to the home side’s supporters’ section. Fans in the stands can be seen gesturing, shouting back, and one person is observed throwing an object onto the field, while Montreal goalkeeper Sebastian Breza gets involved in a confrontation and receives a yellow card.
Sports journalist Caleb Pongratz, covering the New England Revolution, reported that spectators in the stands were hurling “a slew of insults” aimed at Turgeman during the game.
CF Montreal clarified that the bans were issued to the two individuals for throwing objects onto the field and violating the league’s fan code of conduct. Additionally, all official supporter group privileges will be suspended for the upcoming match against D.C. United, with privileges for the supporter section implicated in the investigation suspended indefinitely. The team is actively working to identify any other individuals involved and warned that anyone engaged in antisemitic chants or discriminatory acts will face permanent bans from club events.
CF Montreal stated that it is collaborating with local Jewish community organizations to enhance its anti-discrimination initiatives and welcomes ongoing feedback for further improvement.
