As FIFA has launched an investigation over accusations about Mexico fans using offensive chants during a match of their favorite team against Brazil, team coach Miguel Herrera argued in their defense and insisted that the act is no way a reflection of their fans' view towards racism and homophobia.
Telling reporters, Herrera was quoted by NPR as saying that the homophobic slur Mexico fans used against Brazil during the match was just their way of pressuring the opposing team to not make a goal. Director Hector Gonzalez Inarritu of Mexico's national team insisted Medio Tiempo that fans will always be fans, and that even FIFA cannot stop such expression that happens on a regular basis around the world.
When NPR asked around soccer fans who watched in bars outside the World Cup official venues, the slur was not as offensive as game officials thought it supposed to be. 23 year-old Antonio de Luna said that the word itself in Mexico has different meanings depending on the tone that was used, and he himself has used it all the time. His friends who have accompanied him also agreed that FIFA is attacking Mexico unfairly.
32-year-old Jimena Gonzalez added, "We are Latinos, we get excited. They just want us to be like soldiers and take all the emotion out of the game."
On the other hand, editor Mike Woitalla of Soccer America magazine believes that FIFA acted responsibly to racist acts allegedly occurred in the tournament, He said, "I think they have been very slow to react to homophobic chants, and it is reassuring and welcoming that at this [World Cup], FIFA has responded and we will see how this plays out."
Woitalla said that Brazil, who also retorted with their own offensive words during the match, and Mexico would most likely receive warnings in its first offense. On the other hand, he did emphasize that fans of Mexico has been chanting the slur for the longest time, with the US Spanish language network Univision providing a solution to broadcasting games with the visiting Mexican team by muting the sound ahead of a goal kick.
"The Mexican team is playing wonderful soccer, and their fans are traditionally wonderful fans, and right now, with this chant, they are bringing shame upon themselves," Woitalla added.
NPR said Mexico is slated to play against Croatia on Monday.
