Dunbar principal says soccer fans used offensive chant. Future offenders will be banned.

Several Paul Laurence Dunbar High School fans used an inappropriate and offensive chant that has been banned by soccer organizations during a recent soccer match between Dunbar and Lafayette High School, Dunbar Principal Scott P. Loscheider said Thursday night in a letter to families.

Loscheider said he will be implementing measures to address the behavior and prevent its recurrence at future soccer games at the Lexington school.

“Those that choose to dismiss or ignore the guidance around the offensive chant will be removed from our stands and banned from future extracurricular events,” he said.

Discriminatory language has been an issue at soccer matches of all levels in recent years. ESPN reported in January that the Mexican Football Federation has been given a fine and one-match supporters’ ban due to discriminatory chants by fans at the 2022 World Cup.

The Sporting News reported in June that a “Spanish-language homophobic slur” ... has been chanted when an opposing goalkeeper puts the ball into play on a goal kick.

The chant was heard at Dunbar’s game Tuesday under the same circumstances — as Lafayette’s goalie put the ball into play on a goal kick.

Loscheider commended the school’s student media, the Lamplighter, for their proactive approach in addressing the issue.

“They’ve shown great responsibility by getting ahead of the story and discussing it from the student perspective,” Loscheider said.

The Lamplighter published an editorial noting the use of the Spanish word that is considered offensive.

“The word’s original meaning is a derogatory term against the LGBTQ+ community, but colloquially, this word is also used as slang,” the editorial said.

Junior Christian Delgado said in the article, “We enjoy the support of the fans, but we don’t condone this type of behavior from them.”

This story was originally published September 1, 2023 at 9:59 AM.