SAN DIEGO’s first ever MLS match almost ended in disgrace as the announcer threatened to SUSPEND the game over homophobic chants
The California-based side took on St. Louis City FC in its inaugural league match on Saturday.
Homophobic chants were heard from the San Diego FC fans against St. Louis FC[/caption]
The chants were made whenever Roman Burki took a goal kick[/caption]
The word ‘puto’ could be heard whenever a goal kick would happen[/caption]
A message was displayed to fans in the Snapdragon Stadium[/caption]
The clash ended in a goalless draw as the drama occurred off the pitch.
Chants of “puto” could be heard coming from the home support when other Roman Burki, 34, took a goalkick.
The word is a slur for male prostitute and in Mexican Spanish translates to “f*****”.
It is often used in a way to criticise a person’s masculinity.
The Times of San Diego claimed that the announcer at the Snapdragon Stadium addressed fans over the PA system.
They warned that the match would be suspended if the homophobic chants continued.
The club also displayed a message on the big screen in the stadium, requesting fans to stop.
It read: “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. Thank you.”
The usage of the slur has occurred during Mexico international fixtures.
San Diego FC head coach Mikey Varas slammed the chants post-match[/caption]
It was San Diego’s first ever match in the MLS[/caption]
The game ended in a 0-0 draw[/caption]
The match against Brazil in June 2024 was halted in the 59th minute as a severe warning was displayed to the crowd.
Speaking after the match, San Diego FC coach Mikey Varas hit out at the chants and labelled them as “unacceptable”.
He said: “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.
“We’re a community full of love, of support, and we believe in the power of diversity.“
Veras did insist that the chant did not come from the club’s main supporter group, La Frontera.
He added: “This came from more the general population in the seats, and it wasn’t everybody.
“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.”
Sporting director Tyler Heaps also hit out at the usage of the slur and promised that it would not continue.
He said: “It’s totally against our values as a club, but also who we are as people,’ Heaps said about the chants at San Diego FC’s first ever MLS home game.
“One of our core values is to be a good person, and I think that´s what we’ll continue to stand behind.
“It´s totally unacceptable, and obviously us as a club, we’ll make sure it does not continue into the future.”
The one-word slur is usually made when a goalkeeper is taking a goalkick.
Burki joined St. Louis City back in 2022 after a seven-year spell at Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
During his time in Germany he won the DFL-Pokal twice and the DFL-Supercup.
Since moving to the USA, he won the Western Conference regular season in 2023.
San Diego has added some familiar names to the squad ahead of its entrance to the MLS.
This includes former Napoli star Hirving Lozano, Manchester United prospect Paddy McNair and Nottingham Forest winger Alex Mighten.
Back in September 2024, McNair insisted his move to the States was not for a holiday as hopes for a “good experience”.
Mexican attacker Hirving Lozano is one of the stars of San Diego FC[/caption]
Former Manchester United youngster Paddy McNair is also at the club[/caption]
