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FIFA to investigate fans' homophobic chants during Mexico vs. Brazil

FIFA is looking into a homophobic chant during the Group A match between Brazil and Mexico in Fortaleza that drew attention from the Fare (Football Against Racism in Europe) network, which has been monitoring fan behavior throughout the 2014 World Cup. 

Both sides' fans would chant "puto" when a goalkeeper would perform a goal kick, but the behavior is nothing new. The chant is something that has been performed by Mexico fans during international and domestic games for years, so it will be interesting to see how FIFA handles this current investigation.

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In the meantime, FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Mexico for “improper conduct.”

“It seems that some fans of some countries will take their hatred halfway around the world. These images need to be acted on urgently" Piara Powar, executive director of Fare and a member of FIFA's anti-racism task force, told The Telegraph. “The levels of homophobic abuse at some matches is also totally unacceptable. There is some rapid education required before it begins to run out of control.

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“FIFA has some strong regulations in place and we hope they use them. Zero tolerance is the approach set out. It is what is required here.”

Russia and Croatia also are facing disciplinary actions because of neo-Nazi banners during their opening matches. Croatia defender Josip Simunic is currently serving a 10-game ban for celebrating Croatia's World Cup qualification with a Nazi chant.