Mexico‘s CONCACAF Nations League semifinal victory over Costa Rica at Denver’s Mile High stadium on Thursday was briefly halted following anti-gay chanting from supporters.
El Tri won 5-4 in a penalty shootout after the match had finished 0-0 with goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa saving the decisive spot-kick from Allan Cruz.
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“Due to discriminatory chanting, the referee has stopped the match for up to three minutes” A CONCACAF tweet read. “This action is part of @Concacaf’s antidiscrimination protocol.”
The match was stopped for three minutes during stoppage time at the end of the game.
Mexico have struggled to deal with stopping supporters from making anti-gay chants throughout the year. In March, FIFA opened an investigation into anti-gay chanting from Mexico supporters during an Olympic qualifier against the Dominican Republic, before a further probe for a qualifier against the United States.
Last month, Mexican Football Federation President Yon de Luisa said the support of national team players will be critical to stamping out anti-gay chants during Mexico’s games.
Mexico will face the United States in the final after the USMNT beat Honduras 1-0.
Jordan Siebatcheu scored the only goal for Gregg Berhalter’s side in the 89th minute as he finished off Weston McKennie‘s flick.