Wire flash
SportsEngland fan groups condemn homophobic chants targeting Pickford at Mexico match
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
3 Lions Pride and Pride in Football issued a joint statement expressing disappointment over widespread homophobic chanting directed at England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the Mexico vs. England match at the Azteca Stadium. The groups condemned the 'puto' chant as homophobic, rejecting claims it is banter or tradition. They noted this is the third occurrence of such chanting by El Tri fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following incidents against Czechia and Ecuador. The statement criticized FIFA for weakening anti-discrimination messaging before and during the tournament, arguing this has had a noticeable impact. The organizations called on the Mexican Football Federation and FIFA to implement more effective anti-discrimination messaging and education programs, and to impose stronger punishments if the chanting continues.
Source report
3 Lions Pride and Pride in Football have expressed disappointment after widespread homophobic chanting was directed at England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during Sunday's match at the Estadio Azteca.
The "puto" chant, heard from sections of the Mexican crowd, was condemned by both organisations as homophobia — not banter, tradition, or part of football culture.
"No ifs, no buts. It is simply impossible to strip away its history as a homophobic slur."
Repeated Offences
This marks the third time such chanting has been reported from El Tri fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following previous incidents during matches against:
- Czechia
- Ecuador
The groups stated: "This is simply not good enough."
Criticism of FIFA
The organisations criticised FIFA's approach to anti-discrimination measures, noting that the governing body's weakening of anti-discrimination messaging in the lead-up to and during the tournament "has had a noticeable impact."
"As stewards of the game, FIFA have a responsibility to protect it, and to make it the beautiful game for everyone."
Call for Action
3 Lions Pride and Pride in Football called on both the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and FIFA to implement:
- More effective anti-discrimination messaging
- Stronger education programmes to tackle such chanting
- Stricter punishment if the behaviour continues
Source
The back page of the internet.Neutral / independent
Part of this Story
Mexican Fans' Homophobic Chants Mar 2026 World Cup Matches