Mexican fans have been accused of using a chant considered homophobic during their win against Ecuador on Tuesday night in the World Cup round of 32 match.
The chant, a one-word slur that means male prostitute in Spanish, usually occurs when the opposing goalkeeper is taking a goal kick.
The fans did it at the five minute mark when Hernán Galíndez was taking his first goal kick of the match.
It is the second time in the tournament that fans used the chant, which has cost the Mexican Federation several fines by FIFA.
Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca on Tuesday night, and could face England at the same venue on Sunday if Thomas Tuchel’s men overcome DR Congo on Wednesday.
The chant originated during a match between Mexico and the United States in an Olympic Games qualifying tournament held in Guadalajara, but it went viral at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
There has been a tense atmosphere since before the first whistle.Mexico fans gathered late last night and into the early hours of Tuesday outside of Ecuador's hotel in Mexico City where they used horns, drums, motorcycles and cars, alongside DJ's to make noise for their rivals.
The tension between the fan bases reflects a deeper geopolitical rift. Diplomatic relations between the two nations have been severed since April 2024, when Ecuadorian police raided the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been granted political asylum there.While Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa recently expressed a willingness to mend ties, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated last Monday that she would not discuss the matter until after the high-stakes match concluded.
It comes amid reports three people died in Mexico City after fans took to the streets to celebrate the team’s qualification for the last 16 of the World Cup.
The official account of the secretary of public health in Mexico City confirmed a 44-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman and a 48-year-old woman had died from asphyxiation, all close to Paseo de la Reforma in the centre of the city.
Clara Brugada, the head of government in Mexico City, wrote on her X account: “As reported by @SSaludCdMx, the emergency teams of Mexico City immediately attended to the report of three unconscious individuals at different points near Paseo de la Reforma. All medical response protocols were activated; however, sadly, they lost their lives.
“We are in contact with their families to provide them with all the necessary support and accompaniment.
“With my heart in my hand, I send a hug and my most sincere condolences to their loved ones. We reiterate the call to always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy.”
