San Diego FC Addresses Homophobic Chanting in MLS Debut

San Diego FC has publicly condemned the 'unacceptable' homophobic chanting that occurred during their first Major League Soccer (MLS) home game. The match, which ended in a 0-0 draw against St Louis City, was held at Snapdragon Stadium in front of a crowd of over 34,000 fans. The game was marred by a one-word homophobic chant that was repeated several times throughout the match.

Club's Response

The club swiftly responded by posting messages urging supporters to cease the 'offensive chanting.' In a follow-up statement, San Diego FC emphasized that the incident does not reflect the club's values or the inclusive spirit of football in San Diego. 'The use of homophobic language in our stadium is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,' the club stated. 'San Diego FC is built on respect and the belief that soccer is for everyone.'

Immediate Actions

San Diego FC has announced that they will take 'immediate steps to address this behavior.' A detailed plan will be implemented before their next home match to ensure such incidents are not repeated. The chant, which is prevalent in the Mexican league, has previously led to fines for Mexico's national team by Fifa. It is typically heard when the opposing goalkeeper takes a goal-kick.

Coach's Statement

Head coach Mikey Varas also voiced his disapproval, stating, 'The chant that was heard tonight is unacceptable. It's outside of our value system. It doesn't represent the players, myself, or the club, and it certainly doesn't represent San Diego or Baja California. It's not a reflection of who we are.'

Related Incidents

The issue of homophobic chanting is not new to football. Fifa has previously investigated and fined Mexico for similar incidents. In 2018, Fifa probed homophobic chants during a match involving Mexico, and in 2023, four players were sent off in a game between the USA and Mexico, highlighting ongoing concerns about behavior in the sport.

Moving Forward

San Diego FC's firm stance against homophobic chanting underscores their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all fans and players. The club's proactive measures aim to set a positive example in the fight against discrimination in football.