A word about soccer fans

What's the deal with soccer fans?

First, take a second to acknowledge this obvious 'Seinfeld' reference; then, actually think about the question. What IS their deal?

The fact that they enjoy the game is not in question. In fact, not only do I enjoy watching quality soccer, I played it in high school - minus the quality part. My problem is the way fans conduct themselves in the stands.

The Kansas City Wizards and Los Angeles Galaxy have just started the second half of a 1-1 game being nationally televised on ESPN 2 when fans behind the KC net shower the pitch with blue and white streamers.

Is this the soccer version of "makin' it rain"?

Efforts by the grounds crew and players to clean the area in front of the goalkeeper would inevitably be useless as the field would be showered by streamers again minutes later.

My question is how can they get away with this?

Name another major sports league in this country that would allow fans to litter their playing surface with foreign objects. The NHL and hat tricks might be a possible answer, but I think that is different. The play has been stopped and the hats can not effect play.

So why is this behavior accepted in Major League Soccer? Here are my guesses:

1. They feel it contributes to the atmosphere
2. It sets the league apart from others
3. League officials are just waiting for streamers to turn into flairs, like in other countries, before taking action.

I understand the soccer fans are very passionate, which is great, but keeping their passion in the stands and off the pitch would be even greater.