FIFA charges Mexico after anti-gay rants

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Mexico after its fans used an anti-gay slur against Germany during their opening group match.

The chant was aimed at Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer when he was about to take a goal kick in the 24th minute of Sunday’s game at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

It is common practice to see Mexico fans make such gestures at opposing goalkeepers whenever they want to take a goal kick.

In the view of the fans it means no harm but from FIFA’s perspective, it is considered offensive.

FIFA did not elaborate on the nature of the disciplinary proceedings and didn’t say when a hearing would take place.

“Further updates will be communicated in due course. As proceedings are ongoing please understand we cannot comment further at this stage,” FIFA said in a statement.

The Mexican soccer federation has been repeatedly fined by FIFA over fans chanting the slur in recent years, but the sanctions haven’t escalated. The federation and players have previously urged fans to stop the chant to avoid further punishment.