The Earthquakes issued a statement Sunday regarding the fans’ use of a slur that is offensive the LGBT community during Saturday night’s match against the LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium.
“We are extremely disappointed and shocked at the behavior of a portion of our fan base during our match tonight at Stanford Stadium,” the team said. “As an organization, we do not tolerate or condone this type of speech at our matches. It violates the Earthquakes and Major League Soccer’s Fan Code of Conduct and any fan found in violation of this code is subject to expulsion and further punishment.”
Some fans chanted a word that is considered a homophobic insult at Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe. The chant is traditionally used by supporters of Mexico’s national team. The shout was deployed every time Rowe had a goal kick, just as Mexican fans did a week earlier at Levi’s Stadium in a Copa America game against Chile.
Soccer’s leaders have asked Mexican fans to stop the chant or see their team face sanctions, including playing World Cup qualifying home games without spectators. Mexico’s national team also has asked its fans to stop.
“There’s no place for that in the game of soccer,” Quakes midfielder Shea Salinas said after the game. “I’m not proud to see that happening at home games.”
The episode took place during SF Pride weekend at an event the Earthquakes use to attract an audience beyond the South Bay.
“It’s a terrible part of the game,” Quakes President Dave Kaval said during the game. “We strive to root that out. We want a family-oriented experience.”
The team committed in its statement Sunday to rooting out the chant.
“We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and family-friendly environment for all fans,” the team said. “We will take an immediate leadership role in combating this type of behavior for the rest of the season and beyond.
