England star Jordan Pickford subject of vile abuse in chant at World Cup game as statement released
Homophobic chants were reportedly directed at Jordan Pickford during England's World Cup victory over Mexico.
England's back-to-the-wall 3-2 triumph over Mexico was a joyous occasion at the Azteca, with former manager Javier Aguirre's now-iconic sweary joke with Anthony Gordon epitomising the competitive yet friendly atmosphere in the World Cup classic.
Fans of both countries also got on remarkably well before and after the match, too, with supporters bonding in Mexico City and locals congratulating English visitors on the win.
So much good-will was generated from the game that reports suggest England want to invite Mexico to Wembley for a friendly.
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However, the proceedings were not completely pleasant, as it has been claimed Mexico fans chanted homophobic abuse throughout the 90 minutes to Three Lions goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Three Lions Pride and Pride in Football lambaste homophobic chanting
Pickford had the homophobic slur 'puto' repeatedly chanted at him during the match as he took goal kicks, GB News reports.
The term is a highly-offensive swear word in Spanish. It derives from the word for prostitute and is used as homophobic insult.
Mexico's National Council to Prevent Discrimination (CONAPRED) classifies it as a homophobic slur but it is still repeatedly sung by fans in stadiums.
England supporter's groups, Three Lions Pride and Pride in Football, have released a joint statement denouncing its continued usage and refusing to accept the defence that it is part of Mexican football tradition.
They 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.
"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."
The Mexico Football Federation has faced financial penalties and further disciplinary sanctions from FIFA for their fans using the chant in the past.
However, the fan groups also took aim at FIFA for their 'weakened anti-discrimination messaging' as they called for stronger disciplinary action to make a difference.
"FIFA's weakening of anti-discrimination messaging in the lead-up to, and during, this tournament has had a noticeable impact," the statement continued.
"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."
LADbible Group has approached FIFA and the Mexico Football Federation for comment.
England return to action on Saturday when they face Erling Haaland's Norway in the quarter-finals of the tournament in Miami.
The players will face extreme heat and humidity in Florida, with forecasted storms threatening to delay kick-off, which is scheduled for 10pm BST.
Daniel Murphy