The United States’ victory over Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League final was marred by homophobic chanting and brutal fighting between fans in the stands.
In the closing moments of the USMNT’s 2-0 win at AT&T Stadium on Sunday night, a fan in US colors was seen dancing in an area filled with Mexico supporters.
One threw a cheap shot at him from behind, sparking a savage punch-up with several more fans dragged into the violence. Supporters in Mexico jerseys could soon be seen fighting among themselves.
Fans tussled in between rows of seating as beverages were hurled from elsewhere in the stadium.
The area around the fighting began to clear as supporters sought safety while half a dozen or so supporters continued to exchange brutal punches and tumble over the seats.
A brutal fight broke out in the stands of AT&T Stadium involving USA and Mexico fans
Supporters in Mexico jerseys could soon be seen fighting among themselves on Sunday
One fan, sporting USMNT colors, was sent tumbling down several rows of seats
More fans continued to arrive to join in the violence, while many others gathered around to film the fight on their phones.
A couple of security staff arrived and tried in vain to halt the fighting until the supporter sporting USMNT colors was sent tumbling down several rows of seats.
That prompted wild cheers from the Mexico fans and allowed security to intervene. One supporter, who was topless and drenched in beverages, held out his arms to soak up the acclaim.
The fan who had been hurled down the stands, meanwhile, got back to his feet and began to taunt those around him once more. ‘Undefeated!’ one onlooker could be heard shouting as security led some of those involved away and drinks continued to rain down.
The game was stopped twice over homophobic slurs aimed at USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner
Down on the field, the game was stopped twice by the referee after USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner was the subject of homophobic chants.
Fans were heard shouting ‘puto’ – a slur which means male prostitute but in Mexican Spanish translates roughly as ‘f*****’. It is often used to criticize someone’s masculinity.
Supporters could be heard shouting it repeatedly as Turner took goal kicks at AT&T Stadium. After numerous calls went out over the stadium speakers, referee Drew Fischer paused the game for nearly five minutes.
Many Mexico fans then streamed out of the stadium before play was resumed. Unfortunately, however, the chanting continued and the referee was forced to halt the game for a second time just moments before full-time.