US Soccer Fails to Enforce Policy Against Homophobic Chants at Mexico Match

Watch this clip of the U.S. soccer team scoring a tying goal in their match against Mexico on Wednesday.

After the U.S. Soccer Federation implemented a new protocol designed address homophobic chants during soccer matches, the policy seems to have failed its first official during a match against Mexico.

As reported by Outsports, a homophobic chant broke out among Mexico fans as the match got down to the wire. And as Mexico fans chanted "puto," the protocol went unenforced and the chanting continued.

According to the U.S. Federation policy, Mexico now faces a potential two-year ban from playing matches against the United States. US Soccer may also prohibit itself from hosting any international games over the next two years.

A fan in attendance reportedly told Outsports that the chant could be heard through the stadium and by those watching from home, as they shared on Twitter.

What was supposed to happen on Wednesday, according to US Soccer protocol, was the "interruption of the game by referee for two minutes, accompanied by PA announcement. All players report to center circle of the pitch."

That did not happen because US Soccer officials claimed that the chant only happened a handful of times. Moreover, it happened toward the end of the game.

Still protocol is protocol. And it sounds like this protocol still has some kinks to be worked out.

"It's now up to US Soccer to let everyone know how serious their own policy is," Outsports reports. "Banning Mexico from playing in the USA for two years, and banning itself from hosting friendlies for that same period, would send a clear message to organizations and, maybe even more importantly, fans."

What do you think? Should US Soccer put its foot down?