MLS-Liga MX All-Star game in Los Angeles halted due to fans using homophobic chant
The combined MLS-Liga MX All-Star game was halted after just 10 minutes Wednesday night due to fans using a homophobic chant.
Players gathered at midfield as the stadium public address announcer gave a warning to the fans at Los Angeles' Banc of California Stadium.
There is a three-step protocol in place — introduced by FIFA in 2019 — for incidents involving the homophobic chant used by Mexican fans. Step 1 is a stoppage of the game and a warning to the fans. Step 2 is suspending the game and moving the players to the locker room. Step 3 would be an abandonment of the match.
The chant forced a stoppage of play during the Concacaf Nations League final between Mexico and the U.S. on June 6.
On Wednesday, FIFA — world soccer's governing body — agreed to reduce Mexico's punishment for anti-gay chants heard during the Olympic qualifying matches in March. The Mexican soccer federation said it had been notified by FIFA that Mexico's men's team will have to play only one game without fans, instead of two as was originally imposed.
The MLS-Liga MX All-Star game is the first of its kind, and represents the third major shared event between MLS and Liga MX, joining the Leagues Cup — which opened play two weeks ago — and the Campeones Cup — which pits the two leagues' champions against each other and will be played on Sept. 29 between the Columbus Crew and Cruz Azul.
The MLS All-Star team went on to win the game in a penalty shootout.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Homophobic chant causes stoppage of play in Liga MX-MLS All-Star game
