Brazil vs Mexico game suspended mid-match after homophobic chanting as protocol kicks in and fans given severe warning

BRAZIL’S clash with Mexico was suspended mid-match after homophobic chanting was heard in the stands.

The game ground to a halt in the 59th minute while the Selecao was winning 2-0.

The chants were heard from the Mexico end during Alisson Becker’s goal kick.

Referee Lukasz Szpala immediately paused the game and spoke to the players about the pause.

A message was displayed on the big screen in the Kyle Field stadium in Texas, America.

It read: “Because of the discriminatory chant you just heard, the game has been temporarily stopped.

“Any individual participating in the discriminatory chant will be ejected from the stadium.”

The protocol starts with the match being stopped and a warning given to supporters.

Step two sees the match being suspended and players moved onto the benches.

The final step would see the match be abandoned.

Brazil were in a strong position before the delay as Andreas Pereira and Gabriel Martinelli had both hit the net.

However, after the game was restarted, Mexico clawed its way back to parity.

Julian Quinones scored in the 73rd minute before Guillermo Martinez looked to have rescued a draw in the 92nd minute.

But that was not the end as Real Madrid-bound Endrick scored a 96th-minute winner to continue his rise in the footballing world.

It is not the first time Mexican fans have been involved in controversy this year with homophobic chants.

In March the CONCACAF Nations League clash against the US was suspended due to the derogatory chants.

The footballing governing body condemned the chants after the match.

A statement read: “CONCACAF condemns the discriminatory chanting.

“Security staff in the stadium identified and ejected a significant number of fans, and the referee and match officials activated the FIFA protocol.

“It is extremely disappointing that this matter continues to be an issue at some matches.”

The Mexican Football Federation were held responsible by FIFA and have been hit with fine and the closing of stadiums after incidents during the 2018 and 2022 World Cup and Olympic qualifying matches.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk