FIFA says it is looking into claims that Mexican fans chanted homophobic slurs during their matches against Cameroon and Brazil.
FIFA is investigating claims that Mexican fans chanted anti-gay slurs during their country's matches against Cameroon and Brazil.
AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan
During an opposing team's goal kick by the goalkeeper, Mexican supporters are heard chanting "puto," which is slang for "fag," "man-whore," or "coward," Outsports.com reported.
While the word has different interpretations, in this case it is generally used to mock the opponent's manhood. The chant is often heard at Mexican soccer matches, according to reports.
AP Photo/Petr David Josek
FIFA said it "takes a firm, zero-tolerance stance against any form of discrimination and racism," and has opened disciplinary proceedings against Mexico for the improper conduct of its spectators.
FARE, a group monitoring fan behavior at the World Cup, also reported complaints of Croatian and Russian fans who unfurled neo-Nazi banners during matches.
A FIFA spokeswoman told the Associated Press that Mexico is the only country against which an inquiry has been opened.
YURI CORTEZ/AFP / Getty Images
"It seems that some fans of some countries will take their hatred halfway around the world," Piara Powar, a member of FIFA's anti-racism task force told The Telegraph. "The levels of homophobic abuse at some matches is also totally unacceptable," he said.
AP Photo/Francois Xavier Marit, pool