World Cup: Brazil could be punished for fans’ homophobic chants
FIFA has started disciplinary proceedings against Brazil, after the host country’s fans used homophobic slurs at a World Cup match.
Brazilian fans chanted Portuguese and Spanish gay jibe ‘puto’, meaning a male prostitute and a common gay slur.
Football equality organisation the Fare Network reported the abuse directed at Mexican goalie Guilermo Ochoa, during Brazil’s game against Mexico.
Mexican fans also used the jibe in their country’s match against Cameroon.
Fare reported the abuse to football’s world governing body FIFA, who have now opened disciplinary proceedings over the fans ‘improper conduct’.
It is likely Mexico and Brazil will only be given warnings. However if fans continue the homophobic jibes, their teams could face point deductions.
Fare Network director Piara Powar said: “The levels of homophobic abuse at some matches is also totally unacceptable.”
“There is some rapid education required before it begins to run out of control.”
This news comes as Russia and Croatia face action over their fans displaying racist and anti-Semitic banners at their World Cup Matches.
