The Nations League final saw the US men’s national team defeat Mexico 2-0, but the event was tainted late on when supporters seemed to be hurling homophobic insults at goalie Matt Turner. Every time there was a goal kick, Mexico supporters could be heard yelling obscenities. The referee eventually stopped play for five minutes and once more before halftime, despite warnings being broadcast over the public address system.
Tyler Adams and Giovanni Reyna’s goals proved to be the game’s winners, but the USMNT’s otherwise great evening was ruined by the yelling. Similar cries were heard during the two teams’ matchup in the Nations League playoffs last year, demonstrating the prevalence of the slur in recent years.
“Concacaf condemns the discriminatory chanting during the last minutes of the Nations League Final between Mexico and the United States men’s national teams,” said a statement from CONCACAF. A large number of fans were identified and removed from the stadium by security personnel, and FIFA protocol was initiated by the match officials and referee. With the introduction of its What’s Wrong Is Wrong campaign in 2021, Concacaf has been urging supporters to stop chanting. The campaign consists of frequent digital communications and prominent in-stadium messaging before to and during all Concacaf events. The fact that this problem still arises at some games is really upsetting, especially considering how much of a chance the next two years will be to develop sports in our area. We’ll keep pushing forsupporters should cheer on their teams in a positive manner while showing consideration for the other team and the players.”
