Mexico Fans have to Understand
Within the boundaries of respect and/or actions of someone, there is a famous saying that Mexicans say when someone crosses the line: “Se Pasa” (“Gone too far”). Mexican fans have to understand that they have gone too far with the another famous saying that is attracting lots of attention: ehhh Puto!
The chant originated among fans of the Chivas club of Guadalajara and grew in popularity after a 2004 match between the Mexican and U.S. national teams qualifying for the Olympics that year. “Puto” has many derogatory meanings, including being used as a gay slur and because of this I agree with the many organizations that hope to end the chant. I believe it has come to a point that us fans should understand and STOP.
In March of this year, The Mexican Soccer Federation launched a campaign urging fans to refrain from anti-gay chants that has drawn heavy fines from FIFA. The campaign was called ‘’Embraced by Soccer,’’ and consisted of a couple of 30-second videos in which popular stars including forward Javier ‘’Chicharito’’ Hernandez, captain and defender Rafael Marquez and midfielder Andres Guardado ask fans not to engage in discriminatory behavior.
So far it has been no less then fruitless in its goal as it has failed to deter fans at Mexican national team games. Recently in the Copa America tournament you can see the tv networks trying really hard to cut out the chant during the game. They too have been ineffective and it doesn’t help when the camera man captures the same saying on camera as fans wear bandanas with the slur.
Even after a second attempt was made with a “Ya Parale” (“Stop It”) campaign led by a video featuring Mexico goalkeepers Jesus Corona, Guillermo Ochoa and Alfredo Talavera. (see video below)
Its a tough road ahead, and maybe it will take that the Federations ban fans from entering stadiums and/or the ability to watch the matches. Whatever the consequences are in the future, we have to understand that words matter and we should understand that its not freedom of speech that is at play, its being respectful to how others feel about the chants.
Earlier this week the following was released by CONCACAF:
The Confederation of North Central America and the Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Confederation of South American Football (CONMEBOL) take any chants or actions that are derogatory or offensive during our matches very seriously. This behavior does not reflect the true spirit of football and must be stopped.
