The Concacaf Nations League Final was an excellent match and the overwhelming majority of fans in Empower Field at Mile High created a great atmosphere by supporting their team positively and in the right way. However, a small number of individuals threw objects onto the field of play, endangering the safety of players and referees, which is totally unacceptable. The stadium’s security staff ejected fans who engaged in this behavior and in one case an individual was arrested and faces criminal charges.
Concacaf will continue to call on fans and like-minded stakeholders to support its efforts to eradicate the offensive goalkeeper chant through its anti-discrimination campaign and in-stadium messaging and protocols. It was heard by the match officials twice during the final, on both occasions shouted by a relatively small section of fans. This led to a public announcement, some ejections and an in-game stoppage. The vast majority of spectators in the stadium did not engage in this chant and, with major Concacaf and FIFA events coming in the very near future, we encourage all fans to leave it in the past and not risk their national team and players suffering from significant sanctions.
Concacaf believes that attending football matches should be a welcoming and safe experience for all fans and we are committed to further promoting that message in all our work as we continue to develop the game in the region.
