PHOENIX — Los Bandidos, Phoenix Rising’s largest support group, aren’t happy with the club’s current trajectory and used Wednesday’s matchup to protest.
Fans cheer on the Phoenix Rising FC as they play Charlotte Battery FC on Pride Night on June 22, 2024, at Phoenix Rising Stadium in Phoeinx. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Los Bandidos are the heart and soul of Rising home games, keeping the energy going all 90 minutes with chants, songs and drums cheering their club on. However, just moments before kickoff against the Colorado Switchbacks on Wednesday, the group announced it would participate in a silent protest after a situation that transpired during Phoenix’s last home game.
According to a statement from Los Bandidos, a player kicked a dead ball into the stands, hitting supporters and crossing what they believe was a line between support and player.
“Tonight, we answer with silence,” said the statement. “No drums, no songs. Only the sound of what happens when you take your supporters for granted. Get back to our standard, or defend your goal alone.”
Statement from Los Bandidos: pic.twitter.com/5PFxeLxqM8
— Los Bandidos (@BandidosPHX) August 20, 2026
The statement also points to ownership and the front office, with Los Bandidos believing that the club is declining in product not just on the pitch, but off it as well. During the match, supporters could be seen holding “Dulle Out” and “McCarthy Out” banners, a call for General Manager Bobby Dulle and Sporting Director Brandon McCarthy to step down from their roles with Rising.
The protest may have stemmed from the actions of one player, but it’s clear the frustration among Phoenix’s longest-standing supporters has been building for much longer, with Wednesday’s incident serving as the moment it boiled over.
Phoenix Rising fans cheer on their team at Phoenix Rising Stadium on June 8, 2024. © Sam Ballesteros/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Rising’s trajectory has taken a dive after winning the USL Championship in 2023. The club has been able to secure playoff berths since then, but hasn’t been able to fully build on the foundation set during its championship season, with regression on the field and a growing disconnect with fans over the last several years.
That disconnect was visible Wednesday night. Fewer fans are attending games, the stadium appeared relatively empty and Los Bandidos, normally responsible for keeping the atmosphere alive from kickoff to the final whistle, watched quietly from afar.
For a group that has long been synonymous with the energy inside Rising’s home stadium, the silence spoke louder than any chant could.
Apr 15, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Phoenix Rising FC forward Ihsan Sacko (7) drives down the pitch against the San Jose Earthquakes during the second half of the US Open Cup at PayPal Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
Wednesday’s protest was a sign of a growing frustration between the club and the supporters who have stood behind it through its highs and lows. Whether Phoenix can repair that relationship remains to be seen, but the message from its most dedicated supporters was clear: something needs to change.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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