:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62649301/PORvVAN_106ND500_20171022142002_5458_001.0.jpg)
UPDATE: The TA has tweeted that Atlanta is now allowing a second drum into their section.
Big thanks to everyone who worked behind-the-scenes on this. Sounds like will be adding a 2nd drum for our section tonight. We appreciate @ATLUTD taking a 2nd look at this and offering a compromise. #RCTID #MLSCup https://t.co/lOJ2V6FK8j
— Timbers Army (@timbersarmy) December 9, 2018
Away support at MLS Cup continues to create controversy as the Timbers Army have claimed Atlanta United’s front office have now recanted their pre-approval for allowing the supporter’s section’s drums into Mercedes-Benz Stadium, instead choosing to only allow one small drum to accompany the 1300 fans.
Unfortunately, while the drums were pre-approved and flew over 2000 miles to accompany the voices of the @TimbersArmy, the @ATLUTD front office has decided to only allow a single small drum into the stadium with us tonight. #RCTID #MLSCup https://t.co/H2fC9am9jR
— Timbers Army (@timbersarmy) December 8, 2018
The Timbers Army, famous for its robust traveling support, previously ignited debate about how away supporters should be accommodated for MLS Cup Finals (and indeed, about how away support is, and should be, valued league-wide) after selling out their meager ticket allotment of 1,300 seats in just four minutes. The lack of support from MLS is seen by many as disingenuous from a league that frequently utilizes imagery of Portland supporters in its marketing campaigns.
The volunteer-run organization was also required to acquire pre-approval for any banners, flags, or signs, as detailed in a blog post on their website.
UPDATE: 2017 MLS Community MVP winner Keith Palau tweeted a picture of the one drum allowed in, and specifically stated the two “BIG” drums has bee pre-approved.
Here’s the one drum @ATLUTD allowed in after approving the two BIG drums and @timbersarmy having shipped them cross-country.
— Keith Palau⭐️ (@kpduck) December 8, 2018
Confident @TimbersFC supporters will still make a LOT of noise & our team will silence the rest #RCTID pic.twitter.com/b6MUjrrPic
Stumptown Footy will continue to update this developing story as more information becomes available.