IMAGE, NYCOSMOS.COM

by DAVE MARTINEZ

Last year’s U.S. Open Cup encounter between New York City FC and the New York Cosmos was not exactly a fan-friendly experience. Small skirmishes broke out in Shuart Stadium and the surrounding areas. Glass bottles were flung on the street. Fans were banned from matches on both sides.

In all, the tension was palpable — to say the least.

That experience has encouraged extra security for Wednesday’s ‘East River Derby’ Open Cup fixture at Fordham University — including the use of pyro sniffing dogs.

Both Cosmos and NYCFC fans will be prohibited from the use of flares and pyro for Wednesday’s match. They will also be prohibited from the use of poles of any kind – TIFO or otherwise.

Security will also be heightened. A large detail of 50 guards will greet, escort and surround the traveling New York Cosmos supporters at Jack Coffey Field. The Cosmos supporters have been given their own designated gathering area and entrance way to the match, separate from the traveling NYCFC supporters and casuals, to prevent any conflict.

Like NYCFC fans last year at Shuart Stadium, Cosmos supporters will face heightened restrictions for the match as well. Flares, streamers, confetti and poles for tifo displays will be outlawed within the stadium. In fact, Cosmos fans will be restricted to 4×6′ banners that must meet “good taste” standards– subject to the approval of NYCFC officials.

While NYCFC fans will have to adhere to the pole ban, they will be allowed TIFO displays.

The Five Points have been restricted to just two drums for the encounter. Brass instruments have been banned as well. It is unclear whether or not NYCFC fans will face similar restrictions.

Once in stadium, that same security detail assigned to escort the traveling Cosmos fans will surround their section ala Premier League matches to maintain the peace. There will even be a make shift concession stand in their section to keep the crowd herded to one side.

Violations on the above rules by Cosmos fans will result in a ban, not only from the Open Cup match — but also in league play. It is a similar punishment as NYCFC employed with their fans last year, banning them from Yankee Stadium.

(UPDATE: The New York City FC code of conduct directly reflects the items below. Here is a link to their guidelines.)

Here is a full list of the rules for Wednesday’s encounter: