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Mexican soccer federation fined for discriminatory chants at World Cup

The Mexican soccer federation was fined $10,000 for “discriminatory and insulting chants” during Sunday’s World Cup game against Germany.

FIFA, under pressure to stop racist and anti-gay activity in Russia, is using a new anti-discrimination procedure for the World Cup. Under the procedure, referees are instructed to stop the game for an announcement on the public-address system when discriminatory behavior is seen or heard. If it continues, the official can suspend the game, and then abandon it if the behavior persists.

Mexico striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, one of the team’s most popular players, called on his country's fans to stop their anti-gay chanting, arguing it could lead to further fines from FIFA.