Rimando Given A Hard Time By LAFC Fans

Nov 2, 2018, 8:07 PM

KSL Sports

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – It was a playoff atmosphere Thursday night at Banc of California Stadium for the knockout match between Real Salt Lake and LAFC. The LAFC fans made sure it was a hostile venue for visiting RSL.

Goalkeeper Nick Rimando got the brunt of the crowd’s fury as fans threw a multiple of items at the RSL net minder. Toilet paper, trash, beer and even homophobic slurs were thrown at the 19-year keeper. The actions of the fans were so distracting to the players on the field that the game was delayed for five minutes around the 32^nd minute.

Once play resumed, RSL rolled to a shocked 3-2 upset win over No. 3 seeded LAFC.

Rimando Speaks Postgame

After the game, Rimando, a Los Angeles native, found the humor in the beer-throwing with a post on Twitter.

Emotions were high last night but I must say I’m very disappointed in LAFC crowd last night. If your gonna throw a beer at least make sure it has a top on it and I’m looking. I prefer @goldenroadbrew @RowdysBrewCo & Highland Park when in LA. 🍻

— Nick Rimando (@NickRimando) November 2, 2018

He also stated his support of the LGBTQ community in response to a fan’s disappointment to a chant that was being recited by the LAFC fans.

🏳️‍🌈❤️ https://t.co/LTPHnNF77n

— Nick Rimando (@NickRimando) November 2, 2018

Despite everything that Rimando experienced in the game, he took the high road in his appreciation for his opponent.

Side note:

Don’t let a few salty fans take away what @LAFC brought to the league this year. I applaud their passion, front office, and team for adding another fantastic franchise to @MLS

— Nick Rimando (@NickRimando) November 2, 2018

Fans Weigh In

Fans of RSL and LAFC weighed in a Rimando’s game within the game against the fans.

Does the 3252 supporters group at #LAFC mean the total number of items they will throw on to the field and at keeper Nick Rimando.

Game is suspended at the moment.

— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) November 2, 2018

I’m not okay with trashing our field!

Come on guys we’re better than this.

I’m also not okay with @NickRimando being a cry baby, trying to incite the fans and trying to start fights with the fans#LAFC

— G🦃🦃ble Arcangel Reyes (@Arcangelreyes10) November 2, 2018

Let this be an example that the Universe does not favor those that disrespect the 🐐 @NickRimando #rsl

— Matt Healey (@Phealey801) November 2, 2018

You threw beer and stuff at him… hes just supposed to take it?

— olgoldenbeard (@BradyWice) November 2, 2018

I’m so disappointed. Stop ruining this. Don’t ever disgrace the game by throwing garbage. And at Nick Rimando? A national treasure! 😞

— chandrima (@chandrimatweets) November 2, 2018