A statement has been released as England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was subjected to a derogatory one-word insult by Mexican fans at the World Cup.
The Everton shot-stopper played a big part in the Round of 16 victory inside the Azteca Stadium, where the crowd created a tense and intimidating atmosphere for the Three Lions players.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane got the goals that saw them through to the quarter-final, while Pickford and his backline defended the goal brilliantly in the closing stages. While the Mexican ground is famed for its difficult playing conditions and brilliant atmosphere, this isn't the first time it's all been overshadowed by fans' chants and insults.
England Supporters Group React to Pickford Insult
Raul Jimenez (Mexico) and Jordan Pickford (England)Raquel Cunha via Reuters
Large sections of the crowd were heard chanting 'puto' towards Pickford throughout the Round of 16 clash. The word for a male prostitute has become a regular occurrence in Mexican football, with the football federation often punished by FIFA for it.
England fan group Three Lions Pride & Pride In Football have now released a scathing statement, condemning the use of the word in any context. The group said:
"[We] were disappointed to see widespread homophobic chanting at the Azteca on Sunday, aimed at Jordan Pickford.
"The ‘puto’ chant isn’t banter, or tradition, or part of footballing culture – it is homophobia. No ifs, no buts. It is simply impossible to strip away its history as a homophobic slur."
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As they go on to point out, it's not the first time the slur has been used by Mexico fans during the 2026 World Cup. They were even handed a major FIFA warning prior to the England clash.
The statement continued: "This is the third time such chanting has been heard from El Tri fans in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after previous chants occurring against Czechia and Ecuador. This is simply not good enough.
"FIFA’s weakening of anti-discrimination messaging in the lead-up to, and during, this tournament has had a noticeable impact. As stewards of the game, FIFA have a responsibility to protect it, and to make it the beautiful game for everyone.
“We call on the Mexican FA and FIFA to have more effective anti-discrimination messaging and education programmes to tackle such chanting, and if it continues, stronger punishment must be handed out."
Mexico Forced to Pay Out on Discriminatory Chants
Mexico vs South AfricaPawel Kopczynski via Reuters
According to The Sun, over £1 million in fines have been imposed on the Mexican football federation over the matter. Not just for the use of the word in their own country, but also in stadiums around the world.
Ex-Mexico international Marco Fabian is one of many who insist the term is simply part of football culture. However, the Mexican government’s anti-discrimination commission (CONAPRED) has listed 'puto' as a homophobic slur.