Referee stops the game

Unsightly chants and scuffles overshadow final

The USA cheers, fans cause several scandals.(Bild: AP, twitter.com/Deannas_Husband)

The final of the CONCACAF Nations League between the national teams of the USA and Mexico was interrupted several times on Sunday (local time) due to homophobic chants by fans. There was also a brawl in the stands. 

The referee stopped the game in Arlington/Texas several times in the closing stages after Mexican fans started chanting. The USA won the game 2:0 with goals from Tyler Adams (45) and Giovanni Reyna (63).

USA prevailed against Mexico.(Bild: Copyright 2024 The Associated Press All Rights Reserved)

"This is dangerous, someone could get hurt"
The Continental Confederation for North and Central America and the Caribbean announced that it condemned the discriminatory chants. Security staff at the stadium had identified a large number of fans involved and removed them from the arena. After Reyna's goal, the cheering US team was hit by objects thrown onto the pitch. "We want a great atmosphere, but we don't want things thrown at us. That's dangerous, someone could get hurt," said coach Gregg Berhalter. There was also a wild brawl between fans in the stands.

CONCACAF did not initially announce any disciplinary measures after the game was interrupted. "It is extremely disappointing that this matter continues to be an issue in some games, especially in the context that in two years there is a tremendous opportunity to grow the sport in our region," the federation said. The USA, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup.