San Diego FC will increase security personnel and take other steps at Saturday evening’s game against the Columbus Crew in an attempt to avoid a repeat of fans chanting a homophobic slur as some did in its first home game.
The team announced Thursday the additional security personnel would be “strategically positioned in key areas, with a heightened presence near the opposing goalkeeper’s section.” A flyer will be placed in all seat cupholders reminding fans that discriminatory language will not be tolerated, featuring the message: “Aquí No” / “Not Here.”
Fans and ticket buyers received direct communication from the team via a Know Before You Go newsletter, which will include all match information and reinforce the team’s “commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful matchday environment.”
Prior to kickoff, SDFC CEO Tom Penn, coach Mikey Varas, midfielder Aníbal Godoy and Supporters’ Union leadership will deliver messages of “unity, inclusivity, and zero tolerance,” according to the team.
A banner reinforcing the message condemning the chant will be displayed in the supporters’ section throughout the match.
The three-step protocol from FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, will be in effect for SDFC home matches, which includes the ability to stop, suspend or abandon the match if discriminatory behavior persists.
A common anti-gay chant from SDFC fans before a St. Louis City SC goal kick in the 0-0 tie March 1 prompted a public address announcement and message on the stadium’s video board declaring, “Discrimination has no place in our sport and in our stadium and will not be tolerated. The fan chant that was just used is offensive and we ask that fans not continue to use this chant. Thank you.”
The chant was repeated two minutes later.
“The chant that was heard tonight is unacceptable,” Varas said after the game. “It’s outside of our values system. It doesn’t represent the players, myself, the club, and it certainly doesn’t represent San Diego or Baja California.
“It’s not a reflection of who we are. We’re a community full of love, support and we believe in the power of diversity. I want to make sure that everybody knows that was not from our main supporter group, La Frontera. They match the same values as us. They believe the same as us. They’re our teammates.
“This came from more the general population in the seats, and it wasn’t everybody, and I understand that, but it was loud enough that it was enough people. And I just want to make really clear, it has no place here. It has no place here. And if … they’re going to continue to come to the game and make that chant, it’s better that they do not come.”
–City News Service
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