Mexico followers cheer earlier than a CONCACAF Nations League remaining soccer match in opposition to the US, Sunday, March 24, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.
AP Picture/Julio Cortez
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The U.S.-Mexico CONCACAF Nations League remaining match was suspended within the late levels for the second straight yr due to homophobic chants by pro-Mexican followers.
Canadian referee Drew Fischer stopped play within the 88th minute of the US’ 2-0 victory in Sunday evening’s remaining, performed earlier than a crowd of 59,471 at AT&T Stadium.
Play resumed after a 4 1/2-minute wait, and Fischer halted it once more six minutes into stoppage time. Play restarted 1 1/2 minutes later and the match was performed till conclusion within the ninth minute of added time.
“CONCACAF condemns the discriminatory chanting,” the regional governing physique of North and Central America and the Caribbean mentioned in a press release. “Safety workers within the stadium recognized and ejected a big variety of followers, and the referee and match officers activated the FIFA protocol. … This can be very disappointing that this matter continues to be a difficulty at some matches.”
U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter and gamers have been hit by particles whereas celebrating Gio Reyna’s objective that constructed a two-goal lead.
“That was unlucky as a result of we wish a extremely aggressive recreation, we wish an important environment however we don’t need to get issues thrown at us,” Berhalter mentioned. “It’s unsafe and somebody can get damage.”
Last year’s semifinal at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas was stopped by Salvadoran referee Iván Barton within the eighth minute of a scheduled 12 minutes of stoppage time with the U.S. forward 3-0.
CONCACAF issued a statement the subsequent day that it “strongly condemns the discriminatory chanting by some followers,” which it mentioned “has no place in our sport.” The regional governing physique didn’t seem to announce any disciplinary motion.
The Mexican Football Federation last month challenged financial penalties totaling 100,000 Swiss francs ($114,000) imposed by FIFA for incidents at two video games on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. FIFA imposed a 50,000 Swiss francs wonderful with a further 50,000 francs to be spent on a marketing campaign educating followers.
FIFA has repeatedly held the Mexican soccer federation accountable, handing out fines and closing stadiums for games after incidents in qualifying matches for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and for Olympic qualifying.
