Earthquakes effort makes a difference: Much less homophobic chanting during game

Byby Cornell Barnard KGO logo
Sunday, July 2, 2017
Fans chant homophobic slur at Earthquakes game despite team's efforts
The San Jose Earthquakes beat rivals LA Galaxy 2-1 in the final minutes of the California Classico at Stanford Stadium Saturday night.

PALO ALTO, Calif. (KGO) -- The San Jose Earthquakes beat rivals LA Galaxy 2-1 in the final minutes of the California Classico at Stanford Stadium Saturday night.

Fans got a stern warning from Earthquakes Captain Chris Wondolowski before the game to stop using an offensive chant during play that overshadowed last year's game.

"We do not want to hear this chant, not tonight, not ever," Wondolowski said.

ABC7 won't reveal what the slur was, but many soccer fans say they have heard it before.

"I understand it's meant to intimidate the other team but I don't agree with it," said Earthquakes fan Alejandra Rodriguez.

Despite the warning, a small group of fans chanted the slur anyway. Security teams in the stands told them to stop.