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Brazil vs Mexico match suspended mid-match after homophobic chants as protocol comes into force and fans are given strict warnings

Brazil’s match against Mexico was interrupted mid-match after homophobic chants were heard in the stands.

The match was stopped in the 59th minute when the Selecao were leading 2-0.

The match between Brazil and Mexico was interrupted in the middle of the gamePhoto credit: AP
Referee Lukasz Szpala explained to the players why there was a delay
Fans were warned against singing homophobic chants
The discriminatory chants could be heard from the standsPhoto credit: AP

During Alisson Becker’s goal kick, chants could be heard from the Mexican end.

Referee Lukasz Szpala immediately stopped the game and spoke to the players about the interruption.

A message was displayed on the big screen at Kyle Field Stadium in Texas, USA.

It said: “Due to the discriminatory chants you have just heard, the game has been temporarily suspended.

“Any person participating in the discriminatory chant will be expelled from the stadium.”

The protocol begins with the interruption of the game and a warning to the fans.

In the second step, the game is stopped and the players are placed on the bench.

The last step would be to abandon the game.

Brazil were in a strong position before the delay, with Andreas Pereira and Gabriel Martinelli both scoring.

However, after the game resumed, Mexico fought back to equalize.

Julian Quinones scored in the 73rd minute before Guillermo Martinez appeared to save the tie in the 92nd minute.

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But that was not the end, as Endrick, who moved to Real Madrid, scored the winning goal in the 96th minute and continued his rise in the football world.

This is not the first time this year that Mexican fans have caused controversy with homophobic chants.

In March, the CONCACAF Nations League match against the USA was interrupted due to derogatory chants.

The Football Association condemned the chants after the game.

A statement said: “CONCACAF condemns the discriminatory chants.

“Security staff at the stadium identified and evicted a significant number of fans and the referee and match officials activated FIFA protocol.

“It is extremely disappointing that this issue continues to be an issue at some games.”

The Mexican Football Association has been held accountable by FIFA and fined and stadiums closed following incidents during qualifying matches for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and the Olympic Games.

Fines, bans and penalties in Mexico

  • January 2023: £85,000 fine and a ban on fans (for chants at the 2022 World Cup)
  • November 2021: £86,000 fine and two-game ban for fans (for chants in 2021 matches)
  • June 2021: £51,000 fine and two matches without spectators (for Olympic qualifiers in March 2021)
  • June 2018: £82,000 fine (for chants against Germany at the World Cup)
  • Various 2018: Mexico was penalized eight times and received one warning (for chants during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers)
  • November 2017: CAS lifts fines against Mexico (for chants in 2015 and March 2016)
  • April 2017: £8,200 fine (for chants during 2018 World Cup qualifying)
  • December 2016: £15,000 fine
  • October 2016: £24,000 fine (for chanting against Honduras)
  • June 2014: FIFA exonerates Mexican fans after investigation (due to chants against Cameroon)