What to Do When a Discriminatory Chant Starts (MLS & Leagues Cup Fan Guide)

Aug 10

Supporter culture is powerful—so is using it to shut down discriminatory chants. This guide mixes quick, practical steps you can use in your section today, plus the formal protocols used in MLS, Concacaf, UEFA, and FIFA. We also include a short timeline of notable incidents so capos can learn what worked (and what didn’t).

Jump to: Golden rules • 60-second fan playbook • How to alert the stadium • The official 3-step protocols • Latest (2024–2025) incidents • Historical context: Mexico “p-word”, LaLiga, UEFA • FAQ • Sources

Golden rules (read this first)

Safety & unity over volume. Don’t argue with individuals. Get your section together; act in unison.
Use stadium channels fast. MLS venues follow a formal anti-discrimination procedure; reporting triggers PA warnings and, if needed, match stoppages (see protocol below).
Replace the moment. Launch a short, positive chant (e.g., “Come on you [Reds/Blues]”, “Allez, allez, allez”) or a Viking clap to drown out negativity.
Zero hate, zero bait. Keep it clean—family sections are listening. See the MLS Fan Code of Conduct.

Your 60-second fan playbook

1) Signal calmly Make eye contact with your capo/drum lead and nearby stewards. Use a clear “cut” hand signal to stop, then point to the source without confrontation.

2) Report it Text the stadium code shown on boards or tell the nearest steward: SECTION / ROW / "Discriminatory chant".

3) Replace it Launch a short, positive chant immediately (15–20s loops). A drum-led clap works when words are risky.

4) Back the PA If a PA warning plays, stop so the message carries; restart a clean chant after. (This aligns with Step 1 of the formal protocol.)

5) De-escalate No filming people’s faces, no insults. Let security handle removals and warnings.

6) Log it After the match, send a brief note to your supporter group/SLO (section, minute, what you did). Clubs tune responses based on this.

How to alert the stadium (fast)

Nearest steward/usher: give SECTION/ROW, describe the chant, stay calm.
Text line / app: most MLS venues display a number or QR—use it. If you can’t find it, ask a steward.
Supporter liaison (SLO): some clubs publish a matchday contact; use it if available.

The official 3-step protocols (MLS/Concacaf/UEFA/FIFA)

MLS and Leagues Cup (via Concacaf) follow FIFA’s three-step procedure for discriminatory incidents:

Step 1 – Stop the match. Play halts; PA warning; announcements on screens. Reference: MLS Serious Incident Protocol.
Step 2 – Suspend the match. Players leave briefly; further announcements repeat.
Step 3 – Abandon the match. Last resort if behavior continues or safety requires it. See MLS/Concacaf/FIFA guidance.

UEFA and FIFA have reinforced these procedures and increased sanctions in recent seasons.

Latest incidents & lessons (2024–2025)

Aug 2025 – Leagues Cup (Austin): During Club América–Portland, homophobic chanting was audible; Timbers coach Phil Neville said the match should have been suspended under the protocol. Lesson: leaders must pause play sooner if warnings don’t work.

Mar 2025 – San Diego FC’s MLS home debut: The “p-word” chant triggered warnings and threats to suspend the match; SDFC announced additional measures afterward. Lesson: clear venue messaging + swift PA action matters.

Mar 2025 – Concacaf Nations League Final (Mexico–Panama): Match delayed following discriminatory chants; three-step policy highlighted. Lesson: even finals will stop—protocol applies everywhere.

Apr 2025 – MLS (Minnesota–Vancouver): MLS opened an investigation into a reported non-discrimination policy violation. Lesson: report quickly; leagues act faster now.

Mar 2024 – Concacaf Nations League Final (USA–Mexico): Repeated stoppages for anti-gay chanting; protocols activated. Lesson: repeat offenders face escalated steps.

Feb 2025 – LaLiga (Espanyol–Athletic): Match temporarily halted for racist abuse; anti-racism message displayed, then play resumed. Lesson: European leagues are actively stopping games mid-match.

Historical context (Mexico’s “p-word”, LaLiga & UEFA actions)

How the “p-word” chant spread—and why it keeps resurfacing

Reporting traces the chant’s origin to Guadalajara fan culture decades ago before it spread across Mexican soccer. Despite campaigns, fines and stadium announcements, it persists in pockets—including in the U.S. at some international and club matches.

LaLiga & Vinícius Jr.: from complaints to convictions

Spain has seen high-profile cases—especially racist abuse toward Vinícius Jr. LaLiga filed complaints to prosecutors; in 2024 Spain recorded its first conviction related to racist abuse at a football match, a landmark in deterrence.

UEFA & FIFA: formalizing the power to stop games

UEFA’s sustainability/“Protection” framework and FIFA’s anti-discrimination programs codify the three-step rule and empower referees to stop, suspend, or abandon matches, with tougher sanctions coming into force.

FAQ

What exactly counts as a “discriminatory chant”?

Anything abusive or demeaning about protected characteristics (race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender/identity, sexual orientation, disability). See the MLS Fan Code of Conduct.

Will my section get punished if a few people chant it?

Clubs focus on individuals, but if it continues at scale, referees can escalate to suspension or abandonment. That’s why fast reporting + a positive replacement chant is key.

Does Leagues Cup follow the same rules?

Yes. Concacaf events apply the FIFA three-step protocol and run in-stadium messaging under its “What’s Wrong Is Wrong” campaign.

What should capos/drummers actually call?

Use short, neutral resets that everyone knows (Viking clap, “Allez” pattern, “Come on [Club]”). Keep each loop ≤20 seconds so PA messages can cut through if needed.

Sources & further reading:

Final whistle: The fastest way to end a discriminatory chant is unity, not confrontation: report it, replace it with something better, and back the PA. If you want a printable one-pager for your capo group, say the word and we’ll generate it.

Jennifer Halstead