New policy to stop "Puto!" chants from taking hold at Avaya debuts Friday
The San Jose Earthquakes have responded to the controversy surrounding the use of a homophobic chant by fans at their previous home match with a set of policies designed to prevent it from taking hold at Avaya Stadium.
During the Quakes 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium on June 25, fans around the stadium shouted "Puto!" with each goal kick taken by visiting 'keeper Brian Rowe. The slur was heard loud and clear over the television broadcast on Univision, furthering the impact on an audience estimated to be over one million viewers.