Anti-gay slurs broadcast again as Mexico knocked out of World Cup
Anti-gay slurs were broadcast yet again during Mexico’s World Cup match against the Netherlands, as the team were finally knocked out of the tournament.
The team’s fans had been criticized previously for repeatedly screaming the anti-gay slur ‘puto’ (‘male prostitute/faggot’) in their matches against Cameroon and Croatia.
Despite broadcasters’ efforts to eliminate it from TV coverage, it was audible again yesterday, as the team were knocked out by the Netherlands 2-1.
Both ESPN and Univision warned about the slur before the match.
In a statement, ESPN had warned: “This is a long-standing tradition at Mexican national team matches. The word is an anti-gay slur in Spanish.”
“Here at the World Cup this has become a bit of an international issue. FIFA has looked into it. Mexican officials have acknowledged the impossibility of policing the conduct and language of tens of thousands of fans.
“By way of background and information, you should know that ESPN does not control the audio and video of the international feed.”
Univision warned: “We recognize that during the game there may be language, or chants, from some fans that are offensive to some members of our television audience.”
“Although we realize this can happen in any televised sporting event, we do not, in any case, condone or endorse the use of such language. Univision Communications supports a World Cup that is inclusive, one that celebrates the diversity of the sport we love and can be enjoyed by all – absent what can be the hurtful consequences of certain words.”
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera had previously defended the use of the slur, claiming “it’s not that bad”.
