San Diego FC’s inaugural home match was overshadowed by homophobic chanting, prompting the Major League Soccer (MLS) club to take a firm stance against discrimination at its stadium.
On Saturday, March 1, San Diego FC made its home debut at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. However, during the second half of the match against St. Louis City SC—which ended in a scoreless draw—sections of the sold-out crowd reportedly chanted “puto” three times. The Spanish slur, which has been frequently heard at soccer matches in Mexico, is widely condemned as homophobic.
Stadium and Club Response
The stadium’s jumbotron quickly displayed a message condemning the chant, reading:
“Discrimination has no place in our sport and in our stadiums and will not be tolerated. The fan chant that was just used is offensive, and we ask that fans do not continue to use this chant.”
A similar warning was announced over the PA system, with officials stating that continued chanting could result in the game’s suspension.
Gay soccer fan Justin Brown, who attended the match, described the experience as “shocking.”
“This night was supposed to be about this team, this city that has waited so long for an MLS team, the supporters that have given thousands of hours of their lives over the past year,” he told OutSports. “Instead, it’s smeared with discrimination, hate, and ignorance.”
San Diego FC Officials Condemn the Chanting
During a postgame press conference, San Diego FC head coach Mikey Varas and sporting director Tyler Heaps denounced the chanting, with Varas calling it “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,” Varas stated, according to the Associated Press. “We’re a community full of love, of support, and we believe in the power of diversity.”
Varas noted that the offensive chant appeared to come from the general seating areas rather than the team’s dedicated supporter section.
“It wasn’t everybody,” he clarified. “I understand that, but it was enough people, and I just want to make very clear that it has no place here. If they’re going to continue to come to the game and make that chant, it’s better that they don’t come here.”
San Diego FC Issues Official Statement
On Monday, March 3, the club released a statement on social media addressing the incident:
“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 [soccer] 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 is built on respect and the belief that soccer is for everyone.”
The team reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all fans, players, and staff. It also promised to take “immediate steps to address this behavior” and announced plans to communicate specific measures before the next home match on March 15, when San Diego FC will host the Columbus Crew at Snapdragon Stadium.
