San Diego Soccer Squad Cracks Down on Toxic Chant: Fans Face Ejection for Controversial Mexican Phrase!
The Major League Soccer outfit San Diego FC has declared an earnest commitment to enhance its stadium safety measures in a bid to tackle the controversial use of an "anti-gay" chant by fans. This chant, a long-standing staple among supporters of the Mexican national side, has previously drawn the ire of authorities and led to sanctions against clubs. San Diego FC's strategy involves a significant bolstering of security personnel at their Snapdragon Stadium. In their announcement, the club revealed that there will be an uptick in security staff, especially stationed in pivotal areas, with a focused presence near the section where the opposing goalkeeper stands. Any offenders will be swiftly identified, shown the door, and could be subject to further penalties. The club has also reserved the right to call a halt to proceedings should the chant resurface during play. In a proactive move, the team is overhauling its communications with fans both pre-match and during the game, making it crystal clear that discriminatory language will not be tolerated. To this end, flyers are being placed in every seat's cupholder bearing the message: “Aquì No” / “Not Here.” In addition, a pre-recorded appeal will be made by team CEO Tom Penn, Head Coach Mikey Varas, and player Aníbal Godoy aimed at dissuading the chant before kick-off. The chant came to the fore during the team's home opener against St. Louis City earlier this month, where it was chanted thrice despite multiple attempts by stadium officials to quell it via the public address system. Varas was vocal in denouncing the chant post-match, stating, "The chant that was heard tonight is unacceptable. It's outside of our value system. It doesn't reflect the players, myself or the club, nor does it embody San Diego or Baja California. We’re a community of love and support, embracing diversity.” Originating in Guadalajara in the early 2000s, the chant has historically gained traction during opposing goalkeepers' kicks and has evaded significant scrutiny from major football authorities until recent times. In 2019, FIFA stepped in with a three-step protocol aimed at dissuading such actions. By 2021, Mexican fans faced bans from World Cup qualifiers due to this chant. With the spectre of this chant now looming over the MLS, San Diego FC is steadfast in its mission to curb its spread within the league. - Resource: "https://www.foxnews.com/sports/san-diego-soccer-team-enhances-security-eject-fans-who-use-common-mexican-anti-gay-chant-during-game
