MLS supporter could be jailed after releasing flares that burnt young child

A Major League Soccer supporter who lit up and threw a flare into a group of fans could well be put behind bars for a minimum of seven years on an arson charge.

Giovanni Isai Ramirez Reyes was in attendance at the Inter&Co stadium in Florida to watch Orlando City take on Montreal C.F. in the opening game of the 2024 MLS season in February when the incident took place. Per ESPN, Ramirez Reyes lit up two flares whilst in the stands watching on.

He then proceeded to toss them into a crowd, which subsequently led to a child suffering burns, with damage also caused to the Florida stadium due to the fire lit.

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Federal prosecutors confirmed on Thursday that Ramirez Reyes had been charged with "arson of a building that led to personal injuries". His punishment is expected to see him sentenced to prison, which could range from a minimum mandatory seven years up to 40.

Orlando City said in a statement: "Since February, our Club has been diligently working with local and federal law enforcement to identify and hold individuals accountable for severe violations of Inter&Co Stadium policies.

"These violations included illegal possession and usage of a flare in the venue, ultimately resulting in damages to the stadium and injuries to a child located in our Supporters Section. We can confirm that today, through the work of the Club's security team as well as local and federal agencies, an arrest has been made.

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The statement also confirmed that those involved had been banned from the home of Orlando City. "The Club can also confirm that additional individuals, whose violation(s) of stadium protocols enabled this offense, have also received bans from the venue," they added.

Speaking on the importance of the welfare of the club's players, fans, and staff, the Orlando statement went on: "We continue to emphasize that the safety and security of our fans, our players or our staff will always be our number one priority.

"Our Club will never tolerate any actions that jeopardize or impact that assurance." Ramirez Reyes, who resides in Florida, was arrested earlier this month on Oct. 15 but pleaded not guilty to the charges put against him. The hearing will now take place on Nov. 12, with the soccer fan set to face trial on Dec. 2.