San Diego FC has vowed to take action against the “unacceptable” homophobic chanting that took place during their first-ever home match in Major League Soccer.
The incident occurred during Saturday’s 0-0 draw against St. Louis City at Snapdragon Stadium, where a crowd of over 34,000 was in attendance.
Throughout the game, a homophobic chant of ‘puto’ – which translates from Mexican Spanish to ‘f*****’ – was repeatedly heard, prompting the club to address the issue.
During the match, San Diego FC displayed messages urging fans to stop the “offensive chanting.”
Following the game, the club issued a stronger statement, saying, “What took place during our first-ever home match does not reflect who we are as a club or the values we stand for.
“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 has released the following joint statement on behalf of Club ownership and management. pic.twitter.com/YQnblJvh01
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) March 3, 2025
“San Diego FC is built on respect and the belief that soccer is for everyone.”
The organisation has committed to taking “immediate steps to address this behaviour” and plans to implement a “detailed plan” before their next home fixture.
The chant in question is commonly heard in Mexico’s domestic league and has led to multiple fines for the Mexican national team by FIFA. It is typically directed at opposing goalkeepers during goal kicks.
San Diego FC head coach Mikey Varas also condemned the behavior, saying: “The chant that was heard tonight is unacceptable.
“It’s outside of our value system. It doesn’t represent the players, myself or the club, and it certainly doesn’t represent San Diego or Baja California. It’s not a reflection of who we are.”
