PhotoThe Mexican soccer star Javier Hernandez, known as Chicharito, has condemned it in a public service announcement. “ ‘Puto’ is the word many gay men have been called in school or even by family members to mock us or put us down. ‘Puto’ is the word many gay men hear as they’re being beaten, sometimes to death, in the daily homophobic crimes committed in Latin America. But still, as is customary when the Mexican national team is playing in an international tournament, it could be heard: The roar of “Eeeh .. puto!” by Mexican fans trying to distract the opposing goalkeeper punting the ball upfield. “It’s a Mexican problem that should be solved by Mexican fans.”“Whether or not it is offensive, it really is a matter of perspective,” he added.

Source: New York Times June 17, 2016 13:41 UTC