San Jose Soccer Team Condemns Fans Shouting Anti-Gay Slurs

"As an organization, we do not tolerate or condone this type of speech at our matches."

From: NewNowNext

The San Jose Earthquakes are speaking out against the use of homophobic slurs at a game against the Los Angeles Galaxy this past Saturday.

The slurs were allegedly lobbied at Galaxy keeper Brian Rowe by a large section of Earthquakes fans. The homophobic chants were so loud that they were not only audible to the crowd gathered at the Stanford stadium, but also to viewers watching the game at home.

Earthquakes reporter Robert Jonas tweeted from the game about the use of the derogatory Spanish word “puto” during the match, which literally translates to “male prostitute” in English, but is also used as a slur against gay men, essentially the equivalent of “faggot.”

I'm not sure if the "Puto!" goal-kick chant is being heard over the broadcast, but it is embarrassingly loud inside the stadium. #SJvLA

— Robert Jonas (@robertjonas) June 26, 2016

Many Twitter users responded to Jonas’s tweet, lambasting the use of the term.

GAWD. Do better, people. https://t.co/3nukTe9hRI

— Andy Edwards (@AndyEdMLS) June 26, 2016

The "puto" chants were uncomfortable & seems hypocritical after moment of silence in Orlando.@SJEarthquakes @MLS you need to deal. #SJvLA

— Monica Hernandez (@monstermoni) June 26, 2016

Ummm @SJEarthquakes, your fans think it's cute to yell "puto" during games? Not sure I want to go to another game #SJvLA

— allie virgen (@allieveryday) June 26, 2016

Though chanting the word “puto” as an antagonistic taunt during soccer matches is fairly commonplace in many Spanish speaking countries, the term has recently come under fire by various teams and organizations who view the word as unnecessarily offensive.

For their part, the Earthquakes released a statement denouncing the use of the term by their fans:

We are extremely disappointed and shocked at the behavior of a portion of our fan base during our match tonight at Stanford Stadium. As an organization, we do not tolerate or condone this type of speech at our matches. It violates the Earthquakes and Major League Soccer’s Fan Code of Conduct and any fan found in violation of this code is subject to expulsion and further punishment.

We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and family-friendly environment for all fans. We will take an immediate leadership role in combating this type of behavior for the rest of the season and beyond.

It’s a commendable statement, especially considering that it’s coming from a professional sports team in a major league. Hopefully, though, they won’t have to implement any of the aforementioned actions in their game against the Chicago Fire this coming Friday.