A verbal confrontation between fans turned violent outside of Audi Field on Sunday night, following D.C. United’s 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders.
According to the D.C. police report, seven out-of-state victims claimed they were involved in a fight with a dozen D.C. United supporters after 11 p.m. outside a bar on Half Street Southwest, a block east of the stadium. No weapons were used in the alleged assault, which left those involved with cuts and bruises, sending one to the hospital, according to Sounders blog Sounder at Heart.
The police report identifies the suspects as D.C. United supporters, and was filed by Larry Herrera, of Seattle. Sounders supporter group Emerald City Supporters also identified the perpetrators as D.C. United supporters.
It’s unclear which supporters groups may or may not have been involved at this point.
After Sunday’s match at DC United, ECS members were attacked by DCU supporters while exiting Audi Field. ECS is assisting SSFC & MLS in identifying the cowards who perpetrated this unprovoked attack. ECS has always condemned violence in the soccer community and continues to do so
— EmeraldCitySupporter (@WeAreECS) September 23, 2019
D.C. United supporter group Barra Brava issued a statement to WTOP:
First and foremost, our thoughts are with the Sounders fan(s) who were attacked last night. We hope they have a speedy recovery.
Immediately, after learning of the incident via Twitter, we contacted the D.C. United front office to express our disgust and offer any assistance we can to bring those responsible for justice. Violence is not tolerated in the Barra Brava and has no place in the sport we all love.
We have no information as to who is responsible. I wish that we did so that the perpetrators can be held accountable. We have asked anyone who has video, photos or even a description of those responsible to contact us so that we can render any assistance we can in identifying the individuals.
WTOP has reached out to Screaming Eagles and District Ultras, the other two D.C. United supporters groups. The Screaming Eagles had no comment. WTOP will update this story with any received response from District Ultras.
D.C. United also issued a statement Monday via Twitter.
— D.C. United (@dcunited) September 23, 2019
It’s unclear whether the team was unaware that more than one fan was injured in the incident at the time of the statement. WTOP has reached out for more clarification and will update if the team provides clarification.
