During the World Cup round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, Mexican fans reportedly started a homophobic chant. The chant was aimed at Ecuador’s goalkeeper Hernán Galindez as he prepared to take a goal kick. Media outlets, including the Associated Press (AP), reported the incident in the extremely loud stadium atmosphere.
The problem of homophobic chants is not new in Mexican football. About three weeks before the World Cup began, FIFA ordered the closure of fan sections during a friendly match in Puebla for this reason. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) had previously announced the measure. “In accordance with the decision, some areas were closed to public sale according to the regulations set by FIFA and the stadium operators,” the FMF said in a statement.
Shortly before the World Cup, the Mexican federation also launched a campaign titled “The Wave Yes, the Chant No.” The wave refers to the legendary La Ola, which originated forty years ago at the World Cup in Mexico. The campaign is presented by players from the former world champion team.
Source: www.tagesspiegel.de
