San Diego FC vows increased security after homophobic chant marred home opener

Ryan Finley, The San Diego Union-Tribune on Mar 13, 2025

Published in Soccer

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

SAN DIEGO — San Diego FC will have increased security at Saturday’s home match after a homophobic slur was chanted at the club’s Snapdragon Stadium opener earlier this month.

Security personnel will be “increased and strategically positioned in key areas,” including near the opposing goal box, for the 7:30 p.m. against the Columbus Crew, the team said Thursday morning. The chant, a one-word Spanish term, was yelled at the opposing goalie during goal kicks.

“Offenders will be identified, ejected and may face additional sanctions,” the club said.

Additionally, FIFA’s three-step protocol will be in effect for all SDFC home matches. Officials can stop, suspend or abandon the match if the chants persist.

The one-word chant marred the final minutes of the club’s March 1 home opener against St. Louis City SC, a scoreless tie. Fans screamed the slur three times in the final minutes of regulation, leading to multiple warnings.

SDFC coach Mike Varas began his postgame news conference with statements — first in Spanish and then in English — decrying the chant, which both FIFA and MLS have been trying to eradicate from the game for years.

“I want to make really clear that it has no place here,” Varas said. “If (fans are) going to continue to come to the game and make that chant, it’s better that they do not come.”

Sporting director Tyler Heaps said the chant is “totally against our values as a club and also who we are as people.”

“One of our core values is ‘Be a good person,’ and that’s what we will continue to stand behind,” he said. “It’s totally unacceptable. As a club, we’ll make sure it will not continue into the future.”

The extra security is part of SDFC’s larger plan to eradicate the chant:

— The team will send emails to fans and ticket buyers before the game that will “reinforce the club’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful matchday environment.” Additionally, flyers featuring the message “Aquí No”/“Not Here” will be placed in all cupholders before Saturday’s match.

— SDFC CEO Tom Penn, midfielder Anibal Godoy, Varas and leaders of the club’s supporters’ union will “deliver messages of unity, inclusivity, and zero tolerance.”

— A banner condemning the chant will be displayed in the supporters’ section.

San Diego is 2-0-1 through three matches, winning on the road against LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake and tying St. Louis City SC at home. The Crew is 2-0-1.