After its first-ever home match was marred by homophobic chanting earlier this month, Major League Soccer’s newest team says it will not tolerate such behavior at its stadium.

On Saturday, March 1, San Diego FC took the field for the first time at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. According to sibling site OutSports, during the second half of the match against St. Louis City SC, which ultimately ended in a scoreless draw, sections of the sold-out stadium chanted “puto,” a homophobic Spanish slur that has become common at soccer games in Mexico, three separate times.

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During the game, the stadium’s jumbotron displayed a message attempting to dissuade the chanting. “Discrimination has no place in our sport and in our stadiums and will not be tolerated,” the screen read. “The fan chant that was just used is offensive and we ask that fans do not continue to use this chant.”

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OutSports reports that a message over the stadium’s PA system also warned that the game could be suspended if the homophobic chanting continued.

Gay soccer fan Justin Brown was at the game and told the outlet that hearing the slur was “shocking.”

“This night was supposed to be about this team, this city that has waited so long for an MLS team, the supporters that have given thousands of hours of their lives over the past year,” he told OutSports. “Instead, it’s smeared with discrimination, hate, and ignorance.”

At a postgame press conference, San Diego FC coach Mikey Varas and sporting director Tyler Heaps condemned the chanting, with Varas calling it “unacceptable.”

“It’s outside of our value system. It doesn’t represent the players, myself, or the club, and it certainly doesn’t represent San Diego or Baja California. It’s not a reflection of who we are. We’re a community full of love, of support, and we believe in the power of diversity,” he said, according to the Associated Press.

Varas said he believed the chant came from “the general population in the seats” and not from the team’s main supporter section.

“It wasn’t everybody,” he said. “I understand that, but it was enough people, and I just want to make very clear that it has no place here. If they’re going to continue to come to the game and make that chant, it’s better that they don’t come here.”

On Monday, March 3, San Diego FC posted a statement on social media responding to the chanting.

“What took place during our first-ever home match does not reflect who we are as a club or the values we stand for. The sport of [soccer] brings people together, and in San Diego, that inclusive spirit thrives,” the statement read. “The use of homophobic language in our stadium is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. San Diego FC is built on respect and the belief that soccer is for everyone.”

The club said it is “committed to fostering an environment where all fans, players, and staff feel safe and welcome,” adding that it would “take immediate steps to address this behavior and will communicate a detailed plan prior to the next home match.”

The team’s game at Snapdragon Stadium is scheduled for March 15 and will see them face off against the Columbus Crew.

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