- With the US leading 2-0 on Sunday, Mexico fans were heard chanting ‘puto’
- In Mexican Spanish, the homophobic slur translates roughly as ‘f*****’
The United States’ Nations League clash against Mexico was stopped twice by the referee after USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner was the subject of homophobic chants.
With the US leading 2-0 in the final minutes of Sunday’s match in Texas, Mexico fans were heard chanting ‘puto’.
The slur means male prostitute but in Mexican Spanish it translates roughly as ‘f*****’ and is often used to criticize someone’s masculinity.
Supporters could be heard shouting it repeatedly as Turner took goal kicks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
After numerous calls went out over the stadium speakers, referee Drew Fischer paused the game for several minutes.
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner was the subject of homophobic chants against Mexico
With the US leading 2-0 in the final minutes, referee Drew Fischer paused the game
Many Mexico fans then streamed out of the stadium before play was resumed. Unfortunately, however, the chanting continued and the referee was forced to halt the game for a second time just moments before full-time.
Mexico’s Football Federation has been fined several times over the chant, despite supporters being urged to stop the practice.
Back in 2021, FIFA sanctioned Mexico to play two World Cup qualifying home games behind closed doors because of ongoing use of the homophobic chant.
Mexico is due to co-host the 2026 World Cup along with the United States and Canada.
On Sunday night, the slur could have resulted in both teams being taken from the field or even the game being halted for good.
It is not the first time this match-up has been disrupted by the chant – the officials were forced to step in when these two teams met in the Nations League semi-finals last year.
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