VIDEO US - Mexico Soccer: Fans Throw Objects On Field, Chant Anti-Gay Slurs
The CONCACAF Nations League final Sunday night between the United States and Mexico at Empower Field in Denver was marred by some unruly Mexican fans who threw objects onto the field and chanted anti-gay slurs, prompting a brief delay near the end of the game.
Panamanian referee John Pitti resumed the match after a three-minute pause, which is part of CONCACAF's anti-discrimination protocol. Both U.S. and Mexican players urged the crowd to stop using the anti-gay chant.
The two sides are longtime rivals and the matchup was hotly contested. The U.S. won in extra time, 3-2.
But much of the post-game attention focused on fan behavior as spectators showered the field with cups and bottles. After a late goal from U.S. forward Christian Pulisic, midfielder teammate Giovanni Reyna was struck in the face with an object.
At one point, with Pulisic on the turf and surrounded by seven U.S. players and three Mexican players, Mexican forward Henry Martin appeared to be struck in the head by a cup.
"Total lack of respect for what's happening on the field and all effort that both teams are putting into the game," said U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter.
"I think [Reyna is] going to be O.K., but he did take something to the head, and it could have been a lot worse."
Stadium security also tackled a fan who ran onto the field.
At one point in the CBS Sports Network broadcast, a fan attempting to evade security interrupted the studio show as the host and analysts were recapping the first 90 minutes.
There were also several fans ejected in Thursday night's semifinal between Mexico and Costa Rica. Anti-gay chants could be heard while Costa Rica took goal kicks.
The unruly soccer fan behavior comes after the NBA has dealt with spectators throwing objects at players during the playoffs.
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