To the editor:

The author of the "Whitecapsfanblog" is entitled to his opinions about the Whitecaps' new crest and jersey designs, but his outrageous conspiracy theories about the Vancouver Southsiders leave me wondering if he's run short of tinfoil for magic helmets this week.

To suggest that the club has somehow bought the support of the Southsiders by way of "free pints" and "swag" is libelous and insulting to both organizations.

The Southsiders have always been, and shall forever continue to be, a completely independent supporters association that strives to ensure the rights of fans are upheld and respected.

Two weeks ago my fellow board members and I met with Whitecaps staff to discuss a variety of important issues, including code of conduct regulations MLS might be imposing on fans throughout the league next season.

The Southsiders strongly believe that fans should have the right to visually express their disapproval of their club's decisions. Dissenting signage has been seized by security guards at Stade Saputo in the recent past, and we made it clear to the Whitecaps that similar policies would not be welcomed in Vancouver.

As a result of our meeting, the blue and white faithful will be free to express themselves in 2011 and beyond, even if signs are calling for the removal of club owners and/or front office staff. The club's only line in the sand is profanity - everything else will be fair game.

Over the past few years we have been at the forefront of resolving several other issues affecting fans at Swangard, including security disputes, seating problems, game day atmosphere, proximity to the pitch and formally establishing the Southside as a ticketed "adult oriented" spectator area. Even our decision to formally organize last year can be traced back to a feisty dispute with the club over garbage cans and beer cups!

While Mr. Whitecapsfanblog heaps praise on the Timbers Army for their vocal opposition to the new Timbers logo, I don't think the Southsiders would have accomplished nearly as much to date if we were in the habit of hurling expletives at the FO at public events like some fans in Portland recently did.

Mr. Whitecapsfanblog may not be happy about the club's new crest and kits, but my sense is that he's very much in the minority on that one. Come 2011, he can make a huge banner calling for the immediate reinstatement of the "The Amazing Technicolour Dorito"... and then he can thank the Southsiders for ensuring his rights to be seen and heard were protected.

Sincerely,

John Knox
president, Vancouver Southsiders
www.vancouversouthsiders.ca