Hellraiser-themed tifo continues long line of horror-inspired, memorable tifos
A Portland Timbers match against Seattle at Providence Park wouldn’t be complete without a massive and memorable tifo display from the Timbers Army. For Saturday’s match – the 126th edition between the two teams – the famous supporters group brought another classic, this one inspired by the horror film Hellraiser.
Featuring the film’s memorable lead character, nicknamed “Pinhead” for the nails stuck across his skin, the infamous Cenobite featured heavily in the tifo design set an intimidating stage for the Timbers match. Draped across the back was the phrase, "Demons to some, Angels to others" while smoke poured out of parts of the banner and chains entwined throughout the North end of Providence Park.
The tifo set the stage for what would become an exciting 2-1 victory for Portland over Seattle.
Horror films have featured heavily in Timbers lore, both in Timbers Army tifo and on the pitch. Be it A Nightmare on Elm Street, It, Child's Play, The Texas Chainsw Massacre and more, here’s a look back at some of the more memorable ones from past years.
The horror-themed tifo isn’t always in the stands. In 2018, Sebastián Blanco “scared” fans with a celebration of his own. Long nicknamed “Chucky” for his fiery personality and short demeanor – much like the namesake of the popular Child's Play horror series about a toy doll that goes on a murder spree – Blanco tallied the lone goal in Portland’s 1-0 win over Seattle on May 13 of that year. After scoring, he ran to the endboards where he had hidden a Chucky mask that he quickly put on as part of his goal celebration.
