MN United Discouraging Fans From Profane Chants During Target Field Match
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota United FC soccer team will take on a team from Mexico this Saturday in the first international, professional soccer game to be played at Target Field.
The team is releasing a video ahead of the game to discourage fans from yelling inappropriate or hateful chants that can be common in some parts of the world.
Players from all over the world make up Minnesota United, but center mid-fielder Jeb Brovsky says the rules of the game stay the same on the field.
"We're all on the same team, so it's a family," Brovksy said.
What happens in the stands among fans can sometimes cross the line.
"It's certainly not welcoming, you know, and it's not what we want this sport to be about, because especially we have a lot of families, we have a lot of children coming to games and we have to set an example," Brovksy said.
At issue is a chant that fans of Mexico's Club Leon team commonly use, which directs a derogatory term toward the opposing team's goalie. Many consider the word used to be hate speech.
Minnesota United FC Sporting Director Manny Lagos says while most fans are wonderful and loyal, they may not think their words are as harmful as they can be.
"It's such a positive global game. You have all these cultures that embrace this game as part of their identity," Lagos said.
He says while some offensive language may be tolerated in other venues around the world, Minnesota United wants to focus on respect -- especially as the team begins building a new soccer stadium in the Midway area of St. Paul, set to open in 2018.
"I grew up a mile and a half from that area. It is an amalgamation of great, awesome cultures and people and diversity that I think soccer actually reflects globally," Lagos said.
The game is this Saturday at 7 p.m. at Target Field. Tickets are still available.
UPDATE: On Friday, the team released a video and statement, with a message "to stand against hate."
Here's the statement:
Minnesota United Football Club was founded on principles of acceptance, inclusiveness and equality. Soccer as a global sport embodies these values and counts virtually every social, cultural, and religious group on the planet as fans. We embrace the international roots of the game, and we do our best to represent the sport and the values that it represents in our hometown.
Everyone is invited to support our club, regardless of race, gender, religion, education, or socio-economic status. All are welcome in the Minnesota United family, and we will continue to strive to keep our events accessible and safe spaces for our fans, supporters, coaches and players.
Minnesota United staff and players are incredibly saddened by the recent violence against the LGBTQ community in Orlando, Florida. Minnesota is home to one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country, and our hearts ache to have this month of celebration marred by violence and hatred.
The attack in Orlando is in part why we chose now to create this video. Yes, the LGBTQ community should feel safe and welcome at our games, but so should each and every person who enters our stadium.
Our club firmly and unequivocally rejects homophobia, racism, sexism, and hate speech as contradictory to our mission and values. Hatred has no place in our club and no place in our stadium. This is our home. Hate is not welcome here.
We are taking a stand, and we hope you rise with us.
– Statement issued by Minnesota United President Nick Rogers
