The Major League Soccer expansion team played to a scoreless draw against St. Louis City on Saturday, but the match was marred by repeated instances of an offensive chant frequently heard at Mexican national team games. In a statement released on Monday, the club reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and made it clear that such language has no place at its matches.
"What took place during our first-ever home match does not reflect who we are as a club or the values we stand for," read a post on San Diego FC's social media. "The sport of football brings people together, and in San Diego, that inclusive spirit thrives. The use of homophobic language in our stadium is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. San Diego FC is built on respect and the belief that soccer is for everyone. We are committed to fostering an environment where all fans, players, and staff feel safe and welcome. We will take immediate steps to address this behavior and will communicate a detailed plan prior to the next home match."
"What took place during our first-ever home match does not reflect who we are as a club or the values we stand for," read a post on San Diego FC's social media. "The sport of football brings people together, and in San Diego, that inclusive spirit thrives. The use of homophobic language in our stadium is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. San Diego FC is built on respect and the belief that soccer is for everyone. We are committed to fostering an environment where all fans, players, and staff feel safe and welcome. We will take immediate steps to address this behavior and will communicate a detailed plan prior to the next home match."
San Diego FC’s head coach, Mikey Varas, and sporting director, Tyler Heaps, also spoke out against the chant following the match. Varas was particularly vocal, stating that fans who participate in such behavior should not attend future matches.
"I just want to make very clear that it has no place here," Varas said. "If they"re going to continue to come to the game and make that chant, it’s better that they don’t come here."
The homophobic chant of "puto", which roughly translates to "gay prostitute" and is commonly heard during goal kicks, has been an ongoing issue in soccer, particularly in matches involving the Mexican national team. FIFA has repeatedly fined Mexico's football federation over its fans’ use of the slur, which has led to match stoppages and even shortened games. Despite efforts to curb the behavior, the chant remains a persistent problem in international and club soccer.
"I just want to make very clear that it has no place here," Varas said. "If they"re going to continue to come to the game and make that chant, it’s better that they don’t come here."
The homophobic chant of "puto", which roughly translates to "gay prostitute" and is commonly heard during goal kicks, has been an ongoing issue in soccer, particularly in matches involving the Mexican national team. FIFA has repeatedly fined Mexico's football federation over its fans’ use of the slur, which has led to match stoppages and even shortened games. Despite efforts to curb the behavior, the chant remains a persistent problem in international and club soccer.
San Diego FC has pledged to take action ahead of its next home match against Columbus on March 15. The club has not yet detailed its plan to prevent further incidents but has promised to do so before fans return to Snapdragon Stadium.
As Major League Soccer's 30th team, San Diego FC aims to foster a welcoming environment that represents the city’s diverse and inclusive community. The club's response to this incident will be closely watched as it seeks to establish a culture of respect both on and off the field.
As Major League Soccer's 30th team, San Diego FC aims to foster a welcoming environment that represents the city’s diverse and inclusive community. The club's response to this incident will be closely watched as it seeks to establish a culture of respect both on and off the field.
