Toronto FC fans criticized for showing upside-down Quebec flag with insult at CF Montréal match

A Quebec flag with an offensive message was displayed at BMO Field during Toronto FC’s match against CF Montréal, drawing condemnation from Montreal supporters.

A gesture by a spectator during the recent match between Toronto FC and CF Montréal has been sharply criticized by the Montreal team’s supporters, Noovo Info reported.

During the heated Aug. 30 game between the two rivals, broadcast on RDS, an upside-down Quebec flag with the word “Merda” — Italian for “sh-t” — was seen in the front row at BMO Field, home of Toronto FC.

The flag remained on display throughout the match and was not removed. Images of it shared on X sparked an outcry.

Major League Soccer (MLS) play-by-play announcer for Apple TV Frédéric Lord reacted to the incident on the “Au fond des filets” podcast with RDS soccer analyst Olivier Brett.

Lord said the gesture was unacceptable and expressed hope the fan responsible would face sanctions from the Toronto club. But nearly a week later, Toronto FC had yet to make a statement. “I hope to see a press release or a declaration from Toronto FC,” he said.

1642 MTL, a CF Montréal supporters’ group, condemned the lack of action from security staff at the game and from Toronto FC itself, Noovo Info reported.

“We understand that rivalry matches sometimes bring excesses and emotions, but profaning the Quebec flag clearly crosses the line of what is acceptable. Standards exist to protect national symbols and flags, and those were not respected last Saturday,” the group said in an email response.

CF Montréal reaction

In a statement to Noovo Info, CF Montréal said it regretted “this type of demonstration.”

“Since the incident, we have been in communication with Toronto FC management and MLS on the matter,” said Hassoun Camara, the club’s director of strategic communications.

MLS had not commented on the incident at the time of publishing.

On its website, the league states that “displaying signs, symbols, images, using language or making gestures that are threatening, abusive or discriminatory, including on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, ability and/or sexual orientation” are strictly prohibited and subject to sanctions.

Supporters who break this rule may be ejected without refund, lose future ticket privileges or have season tickets revoked. Repeat offenders can be banned for a year or more.

Toronto FC had not responded to Noovo Info’s request for comment at the time of publishing.

During the same game, a group of Toronto FC fans was also seen carrying a coffin painted in CF Montréal’s colours. It bore the inscription: “RIP MTL. May 17, 2025. Saputo Stadium. 6-1. How does it feel to get screwed at home?”