CONCACAF have released a statement after the Nations League final between the USMNT and Mexico was halted due to homophobic chanting.
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- USMNT beat Mexico 2-0
- Fans targeted goalkeeper Matt Turner with slurs
- CONCACAF condemn homophobic chanting
- USA Today Sports
WHAT HAPPENED?
The United States men's national team beat Mexico 2-0 in the final of the Nations League but the occasion was marred late on when fans appeared to target goalkeeper Matt Turner with homophobic slurs. Mexico fans were heard chanting expletives at every goal kick and while warnings were played over the PA system, the referee eventually paused the game for five minutes, and again before full-time.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Goals from Tyler Adams and Giovanni Reyna proved decisive on the night, though the chanting marred what should have been an enjoyable night for the USMNT. The use of the slur has been prevalent in recent years, with similar chants being aired when the two sides met in the Nations League semifinals last year.
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WHAT CONCACAF SAID
CONCACAF's statement read: "Concacaf condemns the discriminatory chanting in the final minutes of the Nations League Final between Mexico and the United States men's national teams. Security staff in the stadium identified and ejected a significant number of fans, and the referee and match officials activated the FIFA protocol. Concacaf in 2021 launched its What's Wrong Is Wrong campaign, through which it has consistently urged fans to cease the chant, with regular digital communications and significant in-stadium messaging before and during all Concacaf events. It is extremely disappointing that this matter continues to be an issue at some matches, particularly in the context of the next two years presenting such a tremendous opportunity to grow the sport in our region. We will continue to urge fans to support their teams positively and with respect for the opposition and all participants in the game."
- USA Today Sports
WHAT NEXT?
It remains to be seen if fines or further punishment will be meted out to the Mexican FA. In the meantime, the USMNT are next in action in June, against Colombia, while Mexico play Bolivia in the same month.
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