There were fireworks in Glendale on Monday night, but it had nothing to do with the Cardinals’ 17-15 win over the Chargers at State Farm Stadium.
Fans of the NFC West franchise expressed shock over the apparent removal of the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders from the sidelines during the team’s Week 7 win, with loved ones of the pom squad telling Fox 10 Phoenix this week they only performed during play breaks and alleged the group had to watch the prime-time clash from the locker room.
In a statement to the Daily Mail, the Cardinals explained the move stemmed from a volume and line-of-vision perspective in the wake of new premier seating.
“This has included certain aspects of our game entertainment group — like the cheerleaders and flag runners — only being on the field when performing,” the statement read.
“We will continue to evaluate these areas throughout the season to provide the cleanest and safest environment for everyone.”
The cheerleaders were apparently “given a four-day notice” about the game-day move, Fox 10 Phoenix reported, with alums of the squad stunned by the decision.
“We put a lot of hours in. I’m very surprised,” former Cardinals cheerleader Kim Denson told Fox 10 Phoenix while fellow alum Davis Berryhill said, “When I was on the team, seeing all the little girls in the stands was my favorite thing ever.
“For them to see a woman can be in professional sports. A woman can be in the NFL. I think having that representation of women is really important.”
Fans have since flooded the Instagram page of the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders, voicing their support for the squad in the comments of posts.
“It’s honestly really disappointing to see the Cardinals Cheerleaders removed from the sidelines. These women work incredibly hard, and their energy adds so much to the game day atmosphere,” one user wrote, concluding the message with, “Bring them back!”
Another added the hashtag, “Keep AZCC on the field,” to their message.
“They deserve to be out there during the WHOLE game! #KeepAZCConthefield,” the user posted.
“Devastated to hear that you were taken off the sidelines- it’s so clear from this comment section that your squad is so so loved and your energy was missed during the game. You deserve your spot on the field and we will fight for you!!!” a separate fan posted.
The Cardinals (3-4) return to action Sunday when they visit the Dolphins (2-4) in what could be Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s return from a concussion.
The organization did not immediately return The Post’s request for comment.
