Though their teams’ proximity and regular meetings might lend towards painting them as bitter foes, the rivalry between D.C. United and Philadelphia Union supporters--which commenced with the latter’s introduction into the league in 2010--has always been a friendly one. This solidarity has been particularly notable in recent years, as fans of both sides have shown support for one another in the wake of tragic events.
On Easter of 2014, Eric Shertz--a founding member of the Union’s Sons of Ben fan group and beloved member of the Union community--died unexpectedly in his sleep. Ahead of Philly’s next home match, against United, Union supporters organized a special tribute to Shertz, and invited the visiting fans to join in the memorial. The Black-and-Red supporters responded in force, as large numbers of the Screaming Eagles, Barra Brava, La Norte and the District Ultras came out to the pre-game tailgate to show their respect. In a heartwarming gesture, the Screaming Eagles presented Sons of Ben and the Shertz family with a check, collected by D.C. fans at United’s last home game. During the match, fans from both sides displayed banners and posters bearing Shertz’ name, and observed a moment of silence in his honor.
“It’s really about coming together, not only with our groups but also with the Screaming Eagles and the rest of the D.C. supporters… we truly are a family,” said Kenny Hanson, Sons of Ben President, of the occasion. Screaming Eagles member Jimi Butler agreed: “It’s all about family,” Butler said. “This reminded us of what happened with Chico [beloved Barra Brava leader Javier “Chico” Solares, who passed away in 2012] within our supporter groups. We felt that loss, so we know exactly what it is that they’re going through.”
That December, United’s fanbase suffered a horrific tragedy of its own. Long-time Screaming Eagles supporter Ken Gemmell and his daughter Arabelle lost three family members (Ken’s wife Marie, also a devoted D.C. fan, and their two youngest children, Cole and Devin) after a plane crashed into their Gaithersburg, MD, home. In a touching act of solidarity, Philadelphia supporters reciprocated the support Black-and-Red fans had shown them that May by actively bringing attention to the events online, including the donations page the Screaming Eagles created for the Gemmell family.
The support these two opposing fan bases have shown each other in the face of tragedy is a poignant reminder that in sport--as in life--the common human experience far outweighs our differences. As fans of the beautiful game, we are family first.
