San Diego FC are the newest addition to the MLS, and while Saturday’s inaugural home game against St. Louis City FC was a moment to remember, it was partially overshadowed by chants from the home fans.
The game ended in a draw, but the biggest talking point afterwards revolved around the behaviour of the home fans.
The San Diego crowd was heard chanting “p**o” whenever St. Lous City goalkeeper Roman Burki took a goal kick.
The slur means male prostitute, though in Mexican Spanish it roughly translates to “f*****” and is usually used to take a dig at someone’s masculinity.
It isn’t the first time the slur has raised eyebrows, as it is regularly heard at games involving the Mexican national team. Last year one of their games was brought to a halt due to the chants being heard in the stands.
As per the Times of San Diego, the San Diego FC announcer warned fans over the public address system at Snapdragon Stadium that the game would be suspended if the chants continued.
“Discrimination has no place in our sport and in our stadiums and will not be tolerated. The fan chant that was just used is offensive and we ask that fans do not continue to use this chant. Thank you,” read a statement on the big screen in the stadium as well.
San Diego FC hit out at chants
After the game, San Diego FC and members of the team made it clear they weren’t happy with what they heard from the stands.
“The chant that was heard tonight is unacceptable,” said coach Mikey Varas. ‘It’s outside of our value system. It doesn’t represent the players, myself or the club, and it certainly doesn’t represent San Diego or Baja California.
“It’s not a reflection of who we are. We’re a community full of love, of support, and we believe in the power of diversity.”
Varas noted that the chant wasn’t made by San Diego FC’s main supporter group known as La Frontera.
“This came from more the general population in the seats, and it wasn’t everybody,” Varas said.
“I understand that, but it was enough people, and I just want to make very clear that it has no place here. If they’re going to continue to come to the game and make that chant, it’s better that they don’t come here.”
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