What is the Mexico Anti Gay Chant? Fans Homophobic Chant Lead Mexico Soccer Federation into Trouble
by Sona | Updated Jun 16, 2023
What is the Mexico Anti Gay Chant?
The Mexico Anti-Gay Chant is a controversial practice observed among Mexican national team fans during soccer matches. It involves a collective chant in which fans shout a Spanish-language homophobic slur when an opposing goalkeeper takes a goal kick. The purpose of the chant is to intimidate the goalkeeper and the opposing team.
However, this chant has faced significant criticism due to its derogatory and offensive nature towards the gay community. While some fans argue that the term has multiple cultural meanings and is not intended as a homophobic slur within the context of the stadium, it is widely recognized as a derogatory term that promotes discrimination and undermines inclusivity.
Recognizing the harmful impact of this chant, both FIFA and anti-discrimination groups have expressed their disapproval. The Mexican soccer federation (FMF) has acknowledged the issue and is working in collaboration with soccer authorities and match organizers to eradicate the chant from matches. FIFA has made it clear that they will take action against instances of racism and homophobia in football.
The goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment within the sport, where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, can enjoy the game without facing discriminatory behavior. Efforts are being made to educate fans about the negative consequences of the chant and to foster an atmosphere of respect and inclusivity.
Addressing the Mexico Anti-Gay Chant requires a collective effort from football authorities, fans, and society as a whole. By promoting awareness, understanding, and respect, the aim is to eliminate discriminatory behavior and create a more inclusive sporting culture in Mexico and beyond.
Mexico's Response to Homophobic Chant
The Mexican soccer federation is making significant efforts to eliminate the discriminatory chant, even though it took them some time to acknowledge its discriminatory nature. In their commitment to eradicating the chant, the FMF has launched an anti-discrimination campaign specifically targeting the use of the chant, urging fans to refrain from using it.
Collaborating with match organizers, they have implemented various measures such as public address announcements and video board messaging to warn offending fans that they will be ejected from the stadium if caught participating in the chant. To further combat the issue, FIFA introduced a new three-step protocol in 2019 to address any discriminatory incidents during matches.
The protocol includes a match stoppage and warning to fans in the first step, followed by a match suspension and players being moved to the locker room in the second step. If the chant persists, the third step involves the abandonment of the match. Since the implementation of these measures, there has been some progress in reducing the use of the chant.
However, in certain cities and stadiums, fans have not fully complied with the directives. Completely eliminating the chant will likely require more time and persistent efforts. The Mexican federation understands the potential consequences if the problem persists, including competitive point deductions or even expulsion from official tournaments such as the World Cup.
This potential risk underscores the urgency and importance of addressing the issue effectively and ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all.
Mexico Anti Gay Chants
The chant, which originated in the early 2000s and became notorious during the 2014 World Cup, has been consistently used by fans at Mexican club and national team games. Despite widespread condemnation and disciplinary actions from FIFA, including fines and matches played behind closed doors, the chant resurfaced during significant matches such as the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Efforts to curb this homophobic behavior have proven challenging, as fan behavior persists despite escalating punishments. In June 2021, FIFA imposed a hefty fine of $65,000 on the Mexican federation and mandated two official home matches without spectators due to homophobic chants by Mexican fans during Olympic qualifiers.
The severity of the sanctions extends to any official Mexican national team matches, irrespective of the team or age group. Moreover, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee initiated additional proceedings against Mexico following similar chants during a friendly match against Iceland and the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals and final.
While there were occasional matches that proceeded without incident, the anti-gay chant resurfaced during the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, leading to a halt in play and a stern warning from CONCACAF to the fans. The persistence of this behavior was evident in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, resulting in Mexico playing in empty stadiums and facing a significant fine of $110,000.
Despite FIFA's escalating punishments and the efforts made by football authorities, eradicating the homophobic chant from Mexican football remains an ongoing battle.
Soccer Match Suspended Due to Homophobic Chants
The soccer match between Mexico and the US Men's National Team came to an abrupt halt as the incessant chanting of an anti-gay slur by Mexico fans became intolerable. Despite the US team's commanding lead of 3-0, the referee was left with no choice but to suspend the game.
Regrettably, this offensive behavior from Mexican fans has become all too familiar, with anti-gay slurs being hurled at American soccer players and opposing teams on multiple occasions. The situation has reached a point of ridicule, as it persists without proper repercussions. US Soccer claims to take the matter seriously, yet their lack of decisive action has only served to embolden Mexico fans further.
What is the Mexico Anti Gay Chant - FAQs
The chant uses the word "puto" as an insult, often directed at the opposing team's goalkeeper.
The chant is considered offensive because it uses a homophobic slur to demean and insult individuals based on their sexual orientation.
The chant has been an issue in Mexican soccer for several years, drawing criticism and calls for action to eliminate it from matches.
Yes, there have been ongoing efforts by organizations such as FIFA, CONCACAF, and national football associations to combat the chant and punish those involved.
Consequences can include warnings, fines, stadium closures, and even match suspensions. These measures aim to deter fans from engaging in the offensive chant.