Watch Party Shut Down After Flares Launched at Nathan Phillips Square

Toronto cancelled its FIFA World Cup watch party at Nathan Phillips Square on Tuesday night after fans launched flares and fireworks during the match.

Thousands had gathered outside City Hall to watch Argentina face Algeria. Shortly after superstar Lionel Messi scored his third goal to give Argentina a 3-0 lead midway through the second half, pyrotechnics lit up the public square. The City of Toronto immediately turned off the giant screens and ended the event.

Attendees were unhappy with the decision. "Expecting fans to just sit down and do nothing at these events is silly," one posted on social media. "It's just another example of Toronto not being familiar with football culture."

Toronto's FIFA World Cup Secretariat said the viewing party was cancelled because the pyrotechnics posed a public safety risk. Flares and fireworks are banned items at both the city's FIFA Fan Festival and Toronto Stadium. But Nathan Phillips Square has no security screening, meaning nothing stops supporters from bringing pyrotechnics into the event.

"On-site staff ended the Nathan Phillips Square viewing party earlier than scheduled on June 16 due to a public safety concern," a city statement said. "The City of Toronto will continue to prioritize the safety of our attendees, staff and volunteers during our events."

Since the tournament began last week, Nathan Phillips Square has hosted several FIFA World Cup broadcasts and a fan zone with soccer-themed activities, becoming a popular gathering spot for international supporters. Toronto is set to host four more group-stage matches in the next two weeks, plus a knockout stage game between the runner-up of Group K and Group L on July 2.