Officials pulled the plug early on a FIFA World Cup watch party Tuesday at Nathan Phillips Square, citing safety concerns over flares and fireworks being set off amongst the thousands of fans in the crowd.
Flares and Fireworks Disrupt Event
Video on social media shows red and green flares being set off before the sun had set in Toronto, with the crowd gathered to watch the Group J match between Algeria and Argentina, which Argentina won 3-0 in Kansas City, Mo., on a historic hat trick by superstar Lionel Messi.
Messi's third goal reportedly kicked off a celebration that included the use of fireworks and flares, according to BlogTO. In another video taken after the sun had set, someone on the PA system says the watch party was cancelled due to safety concerns from the use of smoke flares and fireworks.
Pyrotechnics Banned at FIFA Fan Fest
Fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnic devices are not allowed at the FIFA Fan Fest in Toronto, although it was unclear what the guidelines are for the free World Cup watch parties at Nathan Phillips Square, which are expected to continue until the final on July 19.
The City of Toronto said in a statement to the Toronto Sun that on-site staff put an early end to the watch party due to a public safety concern related to a firecracker being set off. The City of Toronto will continue to prioritize the safety of our attendees, staff and volunteers during our events, Patrick Tobin, the city's general manager of economic development and culture, said in a statement. Questions including whether they were considering additional security measures at the watch parties went unanswered.
More Watch Parties Planned
The watch parties resumed Wednesday at Nathan Phillips Square. The incident was tame in comparison to the one that happened on the same day in New York City, where Argentinian and Algerian fans brawled at Times Square ahead of the match. A child was nearly knocked down in the melee, the New York Post reported. The New York Police Department told the Post that no injuries were reported and that one person was taken into custody and handed a criminal disorderly conduct summons.
