San Diego FC has promised "immediate" action after its fans engaged in a homophobic chant at the Major League Soccer team's first home game over the weekend.
San Diego hosted St. Louis City on Saturday, ending the game with a score of 0-0. Despite the lack of goals, the spectators became rowdy in the second half, with fans yelling out the chant three different times.
The chant, which is a one-word slur meaning "male prostitute" in Spanish, has been used commonly by Mexico soccer fans over the last two decades, according to The Associated Press.
While Mexican soccer officials and FIFA have attempted sanctions and campaigns to discourage the chant, fans have persisted in using it as recently as the Mexico-vs.-United States match last March. That match was paused because of spectators' consistent use of the slur, particularly to try to throw off an opposing goalkeeper before a player winds up to take a free kick.
Now, San Diego FC is trying to shut down the chant's use within its own crowd.
"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 club said in a statement Monday. "The sport of football brings people together and in San Diego that inclusive spirit thrives."
The statement added that "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," it said. "We are committed to fostering an environment where all fans, players and staff feel safe and welcome."
The club said that it would take "immediate steps to address this behavior" and that it plans to "communicate a detailed plan prior to the next home match.”
The offensive chant marred the first home game for the club, which joined MLS this year.
The league announced San Diego FC as an addition in May 2023, joining the National Women's Soccer League's San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium. The team played its first game in the league on Feb. 23 in Los Angeles.
MLS commissioner Don Garber said in May 2023 that he had long believed San Diego would be "a terrific MLS market," citing its "youthful energy" and "great diversity."
San Diego will host its second home game on March 15, when it will face off with the Columbus Crew.
