TEXAS LATINO PRIDE, GLAAD DENOUNCES HOMOPHOBIC CHANTS YELLED DURING THE MEXICO, USA SOCCER MATCH IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS

       

Texas Latino Pride and GLAAD echo the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football’s (Concacaf) statement condemning the chant yelled in a crowd of over 60,000 attendees.

“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,” Concacaf said in their statement. “We will continue to urge fans to support their teams positively and with respect for the opposition and all participants in the game.”

“Soccer is a global celebration of community that includes athletes and fans from all backgrounds. Last night’s incident included disturbingly homophobic chants that do not belong on or off the field,” Juan Contreras, Texas Latino Pride president said. “Our organization stands with CONCACAF and we are disappointed these regressive chants continue to be an issue at some games.”

“Homophobia has no place in sports. The game of soccer should be celebrated through unity, diversity and an engagement that brings people together, not tear them apart,” Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President and CEO said. “The chants yelled out during Sunday’s Nation’s Leagues Final in Arlington do not represent the best of what the world of soccer has to offer.”

Concacaf consistently urged fans to stop the insulting chants with messaging before and during the game. For minutes on end, the game on Sunday was stopped while the chants blazed on. Last year’s Nation’s League semi-final in Las Vegas, also between the U.S. and Mexico, was also halted temporarily for the same reason.

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About Texas Latino Pride: Texas Latino Pride is a nonprofit organization that celebrates the cultural heritage, diversity, and achievements of the Hispanic/Latinx and LGBTQIA+ communities in Texas.