twin air filter

I got a twin air to put on my 05 Foreman 500s. I went to change it out on Sunday, only to find that the one I received would not accept the metal support that is on the inside of the stock filter. Has anyone else had this problem? Would it hurt to remove it? I figure its mostly there for support and to ensure it not collapsing. It seems to me though if you keep it cleaned it wouldn't collapse.