TORONTO

As if there wasn’t enough animosity between soccer and CFL fans in this city, Argos defensive back Matt Black fanned flames on Tuesday when he took aim at Toronto FC star Sebastian Giovinco.

During TFC’s end-of-season media event Tuesday morning at KIA Training Ground, the Atomic Ant lamented the pitch at BMO Field, blaming “environmental conditions” as potentially hindering his ability to produce at home in the playoffs.

Giovinco also wondered if a soft pitch contributed to a string of cramping issues down the stretch.

“#Giovinco, both my hamstrings would have to cramp off the bone before I took myself out the championship game #CutFromDifferentCloth,” Black tweeted.

Black later added: “#Giovinco, crying causes dehydration. Maybe that’s why cramping took you out of the Championship game!”

Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Rob Bagg went as far as to call TFC’s Italian striker weak. “That’s some serious mental weakness ... dude needs some help.”

Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney told the Toronto Sun that BMO Field’s pitch was in good shape during the beginning and middle portion of the season, but that a drop in quality occurred during the playoffs — perhaps due to a combination of weather and the Grey Cup being staged in Toronto in November.

“There were one or two games where it was less-than-adequate in terms of recovery for the field,” TFC GM Tim Bezbatchenko added. “The Grey Cup was something that was planned, but our championship games were uncertain. We can’t blame that. There are things you can do. You can look at the calendar. Even just a few hours makes a difference. Again, we’ll leave no stone unturned in terms of providing a surface that’s not just average but one of the best in the league.”

President Bill Manning mentioned the possibility of installing a hybrid playing surface. The club is also considering whether changing the entire pitch mid-season could be a solution.

Either way, Bezbatchenko had a point to make: “It’s not artificial.”

#Giovinco, both my hamstrings would have to cramp off the bone before I took myself out the chamapionship game #CutFromDifferentCloth — Matt Black (@MattBlack39) December 13, 2016

#Giovinco, crying causes dehydration. Maybe that's why cramping took you out of the Championship game! https://t.co/PUKsZypCF7 — Matt Black (@MattBlack39) December 13, 2016