Orlando City has revoked the privileges afforded to Atlanta United's organized supporters' groups for three matches, the club announced on Thursday.
The action will ban all United fan groups from MLS-guaranteed perks such as purchasing seats in a designated supporters' section with escorts to the match, entering the stadium before general admission gates open and the use of flags or banners while in the ground.
Orlando City fans throw trash onto field during loss to Atlanta United. https://t.co/od879rSc8B pic.twitter.com/GwDNMepxbL
— ProSoccerUSA.com (@ProSoccerUSAcom) May 14, 2018
OCSC said it sent footage of Atlanta fans throwing debris on the field during the two teams' May 13 match in Orlando. United failed to respond with the names of the offenders within the required timeframe and thus Orlando levied the sanction on Thursday.
"Orlando City SC expects all fans, regardless of affiliation, to exhibit appropriate and safe conduct at Orlando City Stadium," Orlando's statement said.
Orlando had previously condemned the actions of its own fans after a number of supporters threw objects on the pitch throughout the 2-1 defeat to Atlanta.
Atlanta United hit back at Orlando's ruling in a statement of its own, calling its rivals' position "unsubstantiated and premature," and said it had asked for an extension to investigate the fans' behavior.
"We feel this action is inconsistent with league policy and practice and as such we will be calling for league review," Atlanta's statement said.
Last year, Orlando City suspended two of its own supporters' groups from attending the next four away matches in Atlanta for their behavior during a July 29 game.
The suspension of the two groups, Iron Lion Firm and The Ruckus, was in response to complaints about the behavior of OCSC fans at Atlanta's temporary home, Bobby Dodd Stadium. Three men were reportedly arrested for damaging metal bleachers at the venue.