The United States’ victory over Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League final was marred by homophobic chants and brutal fights between fans in the stands.
In the final moments of the USMNT’s 2-0 victory at AT&T Stadium on Sunday night, a fan wearing American colors was seen dancing in an area full of Mexico fans.
One of them fired a cheap shot at him from behind, sparking a wild brawl with several other fans drawn into the violence. Soon fans wearing Mexico t-shirts could be seen fighting among themselves.
Fans fought between rows of seats while drinks were thrown from other parts of the stadium.
The area around the fighting began to clear as supporters sought safety as a half-dozen supporters continued to exchange brutal blows and fall onto seats.
A brutal fight broke out in the stands of AT&T Stadium between fans from the United States and Mexico
Fans wearing Mexico jerseys could soon be seen fighting each other on Sunday.
One fan, sporting USMNT colors, fell down several rows of seats.
More fans continued to arrive to join in the violence, while many others gathered to film the fight on their phones.
A couple of security personnel arrived and tried in vain to stop the fighting until the supporter wearing USMNT colors fell down several rows of seats.
That drew huge applause from Mexico fans and allowed security to intervene. One fan, who was topless and soaked in drinks, extended his arms to receive the praise.
Meanwhile, the fan who had been thrown down the stands stood up and began taunting those around him once again. ‘Unbeaten!’ A spectator could be heard shouting as security led away some of those involved and the drinks continued to pour.
Down on the field, the referee stopped play twice after USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner was the target of homophobic chants.
Fans were heard shouting ‘puto’, an insult that means prostitute but in Mexican Spanish roughly translates to ‘f*****’. It is often used to criticize someone’s masculinity.
Fans could be heard shouting it repeatedly as Turner took shots on goal at AT&T Stadium. After numerous calls were heard over the stadium speakers, referee Drew Fischer stopped the game for almost five minutes.
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.
