June 11 – Allegations have been made by supporters of Chivas USA that they were subjected to racist abuse by LA Galaxy fans during their MLS game last week.
One Chivas USA supporter tweeted evidence of beans having been sprinkled in the stands of their section – a derogatory act directed at people of Mexican heritage.
Further accusations were made via Twitter, stating that one LA Galaxy fan was holding a sign saying, ‘Erick Torres Gets Deported’. Torres is a Mexican striker currently on loan from Guadalajara of the Liga MX.
There is some debate about the ambiguity of this sign as it reads more like a newspaper headline than anything else. Regardless, it utilises language pertaining to immigration, which some Chivas USA fans found offensive. There is yet to emerge any photographic evidence of the sign but there are numerous eyewitnesses that attest to its presence.
The ‘SuperClasico’, as the game between the two sides has come to be called, is considered the only true local derby in the MLS, since both sides are based in the Greater Los Angeles area. The rivalry seems to be intensifying to the dangerous levels that have been seen elsewhere in the world, often leading to controversial and sanctionable behavior.
Racial issues have been no strangers to Chivas USA. In 2013 the club was scrutinised for racially discriminatory practices. The organisation was openly committed to filling their staff only with Hispanic players and coaches.
Jorge Vegara, who owns the Mexican team Chivas de Guadalajara and until February 2014 was the owner of Chivas USA, was in the headlines for terminating the contracts of non-Mexican players and staff, which resulted in three lawsuits being filed against the club. The MLS recently purchased the club, putting an end to Vegara’s ownership.
So far no formal action has been taken over the accusations. However, these thorny issues could raise questions for US soccer that have not been addressed in the past – from grassroots to the professional league. Galaxy and Chivas are scheduled to meet again in August.
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