<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
The United States’ Nations League clash against Mexico was stopped twice by the referee after USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner was the target of homophobic chants.
With the United States leading 2-0 in the final minutes of Sunday’s game in Texas, Mexico fans were heard chanting ‘puto.’
The insult means prostitute, but in Mexican Spanish it roughly translates to ‘f****’ and is often used to criticize someone’s masculinity.
Fans could be heard shouting it repeatedly as Turner took shots on goal at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium.
After numerous calls were heard over the stadium loudspeakers, referee Drew Fischer stopped the game for several minutes.
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner was the target of homophobic chants against Mexico
Many Mexico fans then left the stadium before play resumed. Unfortunately, however, the chanting continued and the referee was forced to stop play for a second time moments before full time.
The Mexican Football Federation has been fined several times for the chant, despite fans being urged to stop the practice.
Mexico will co-host the 2026 World Cup along with the United States and Canada.
On Sunday night, the insult could have resulted in both teams being removed from the field or even the game being stopped for good.
This is not the first time this clash has been interrupted by chanting: referees were forced to intervene when these two teams met in the Nations League semi-finals last year.