TORONTO

Toronto FC supporters will be denied “supporter privileges” through the first four games of the MLS season.

In conjunction with Major League Soccer, Toronto FC handed down the punishment this week after a group of TFC supporters created an “unsafe environment for fans” and caused what a statement referred to as “significant damage” at Montreal's Saputo Stadium last October.

As a result, TFC supporters won't be permitted to mobilize using banners, flags or approved smoke and flares during matches against New York Red Bulls, New York City FC, Sporting KC and the Colorado Rapids.

According to a letter sent to TFC supporters this week, the sanctions will be reduced by one game if the first three end without incident.

Additionally, one supporters group – Inebriatti – will forfeit privileges at Toronto FC's first home game on May 7.

Members of Inebriatti were singled out as being the main perpetrators of the damage – which included broken seats and burn marks.

Statement from TFC regarding supporters groups receiving strict sanctions for 4+ games. pic.twitter.com/diRGST8s3l — Kurtis Larson (@KurtLarSUN) March 4, 2016

“Following incidents last October involving Toronto FC supporters that caused significant damages and created an unsafe environment at the match in Montreal, we have worked closely with Major League Soccer to implement appropriate sanctions early this season to ensure league supporter guidelines are followed in the future,” Toronto FC said in a written statement to the Toronto Sun.

“The passion of our supporters is something that both the league and the club take great pride in, but these steps were necessary to allow us to move forward and help preserve a respectful environment for all fans.”

Around 60 to 80 travelling TFC supporters are expected at Red Bull Arena Sunday afternoon – a far cry from the number who would have traveled pre-sanctions.