USMNT vs. Mexico: Homophobic Chants Draw Stern Reaction from Organizers
As usual, the USMNT vs. Mexico match ended in controversy after a scuffle between players and homophobic chants from fans. Now, the organizers, CONCACAF, are speaking out after the horrid chants made by Mexican fans.
Homophobic chants by Mexican fans are nothing new, as they have often infamously direct these chants to opposing goalkeepers. In fact, Mexico has repeatedly been sanctioned by FIFA, even banning Mexican fans from attending a few games. However, with their rivalry game against the United States, the Mexican fans brought that chant back in Las Vegas.
CONCACAF, the North American equivalent to UEFA, released a statement regarding these chants and condemned them.
It read, "Chants heard during the game led to the activation of the anti-discrimination protocol by the match officials. Additionally, security staff ejected several fans for engaging in unacceptable behavior in the stadium."
The statement added, "These incidents were extremely disappointing and tarnished what should have been a positive occasion to showcase high-quality football in our region."
Meanwhile, the Mexican Soccer Federation (FMF), which is now all too aware of its fans' actions, stated, "The FMF has made significant efforts against the discriminatory chant since 2018 with various awareness actions to prevent these expressions."
The FMF statement further reads, "In addition, for this purpose, the Federation unreservedly supports communication efforts to avoid and eradicate the discriminatory chant, promoting a cultural change in this regard in stadiums in Mexico and the United States."
The US won the CONCACAF Nations League with a 2-0 victory over Canada in the final, making it their second straight title. Meanwhile, its archnemesis, Mexico, secured third place with a 1-0 win over Panama.
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The USMNT Vs. Mexico Match Was Very Heated
The USMNT vs. Mexico rivalry has been a long history of beef between the two countries regarding soccer. In that rivalry, things often get personal, including the incident during that recent match between the two teams.
The US had a massive 3-0 lead late in the game after Sergino Dest lashed out against Mexico's Gerardo Arteaga, leading to four red cards after a scuffle between both squads. Mexican fans then threw drinks and started the homophobic chants, according to AS.
The PA announced that the match would be stopped if the Mexican fans do not stop their homophobic slurs. It did not, forcing the referees to stop it early.
The Homophobic Chants That Made Mexico Fans Infamous
Javier Ruiz Galindo, head of the National House of Mexico, commented on the incident and stated, "It's not necessarily meant to insult somebody." It seems that even the Mexican government is well aware that Mexican fans can be a bit unruly and homophobic.
But what was that homophobic chant? It was "P***," which translates to "gay prostitute." It is often chanted at opposing goalkeepers whenever he puts the ball into play on a goal kick. Mexican fans chant this to "intimidate" the goalkeeper and the opposing team. However, the FMF has been trying to stamp out that chant, according to the Sporting News.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
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