Mexico’s homophobic chant started as an unfunny joke. Now it’s a stubborn problem

The homophobic chant that has remained persistent in Mexican soccer began in Guadalajara .

Last week the chant once again made an unwanted appearance, during San Diego FC’s home debut as an MLS expansion team.

San Diego head coach Mikey Varas made statements after the match, in English and Spanish , condemning the chant.

The Mexican FA has also threatened fines and point deductions, but some fans have used this as a misguided excuse to force change.

The chant isn’t a clever chirp from the supporters’ section that gets under a rival’s skin or a new song for a new hero on a brand-new team. It's a boring, dismal device whose only impact is embarrassing the broader fanbase and hurting people right next to them in the stands.