Chicago Fire officials defended a critical commentary from the team’s communications director Thursday, saying a small group of unruly fans’ misbehavior and personal attacks on management and staff are the issues, not the message.

Dan Lobring’s 1,400-word blog post late Wednesday on the team’s website criticized disruptive fan behavior and said personal attacks on Fire owner Andrew Hauptman and Fire staffers were unwarranted.

“When we notice at a game that a minority — a 1 percent minority — is jeopardizing the enjoyment and safety of the others that’s not something we’ll stand for,” Fire CEO Atul Khosla told the Tribune on Thursday.

“Dan (was) highlighting that issue. And absolutely by no means is trying to disrespect the majority of the fan base that’s incredibly passionate and comes out every single game. … We could have made (that) a little clearer.”

The post, labeled as an “editorial,” generated local and national attention on Twitter and Deadspin, a popular sports commentary site.

Senior Fire management reviewed and endorsed Lobring's commentary before publication.

“It’s his point of view, but it’s not being published without me reading it or me saying ‘OK,’” Khosla said.

Fire owner Andrew Hauptman said he appreciated the effort.

“I have always supported Chicago Fire staff engaging directly with our supporters and to have a voice, especially on social media,” Hauptman told the Tribune in response to an email inquiry.

“Dan was impassioned in his blog editorial, and I truly applaud that even if it was perhaps misunderstood by some,” Hauptman added. “What I believe he was trying to communicate was that our staff, our players and our ownership care deeply about the club and we try and always to act with respect, integrity and responsibility, and we expect our fans to uphold those same standards.”

Lobring’s post specifically focused on incidents reported during the Fire’s Aug. 7 U.S. Open Cup semifinal match against D.C. United.

“Are personal attacks, threats, accusations, etc., that happened at that Open Cup game OK?,” he wrote. “Are shouting obscenities to staff, our owner and his family or other supporters attending games with their families the norm?

“In the aftermath of that game, we/I have heard from many long-standing supporters who were afraid, fearful, disgusted with certain attendees’ behavior. Our role as a club is to draw a line and protect the sanctity and honor of the organization and all its supporters.”

Lobring joined the Fire earlier this year after more than a decade in public relations, media communications and association management positions.

He defended is own hiring despite a lack of experience in soccer and Khosla said he fully backed Lobring.

“This wasn’t my resignation post,” Lobring said.







