USA’s 3-0 victory over Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal was marred by homophobic shouting from certain Mexican fans; Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton stopped the game in the eighth minute of stoppage time on a night that also saw four red cards handed in Nevada.
The referee called off the USA’s match versus Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals due to homophobic chants from the crowd.
With goals from Christian Pulisic (twice) and Ricardo Pepi, the Americans won 3-0 in Nevada to secure their spot in the final versus Canada, although the game was tainted by the behaviour of some of the visiting fans.
Play was halted in the 90th minute and when action resumed, 12 minutes of stoppage time were signalled but more discriminatory chanting caused Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton to end the match in the eighth minute.
In January, FIFA fined Mexico after homophobic chanting by fans at two games and they could now face more sanctions.
“In terms of the chant, I want to make it very clear first and foremost, for our beliefs and our culture, it has no place in the game,” USA interim head coach BJ Callaghan said. “It has no place in our value system.”
CONCACAF – the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football – said in a statement: “Chants heard during the game led to the activation of the anti-discrimination protocol by the match officials.
“Additionally, security staff ejected several fans for engaging in unacceptable behaviour in the stadium.
“These incidents were extremely disappointing and tarnished what should have been a positive occasion to showcase high-quality football in our region.”
It was an eventful fixture for referee Barton, who also sent off four players for their antics on the pitch including USA’s Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest.
The pair will be unavailable for the final against Canada, who beat Panama 2-0 thanks to goals from Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies.