A brutal brawl broke out in the stands Sunday during the final moments of the United State’s 2-0 victory over Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League final.
In footage circulating on social media, a fan dressed in U.S. gear was seen jumping in the stands of AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before a separate supporter threw a punch, with others subsequently getting involved.
Debris went flying a short time later, with liquids being hurled in the direction of the brawlers, while the U.S. fan in question fell backward in the fracas.
A fan fight broke out during the CONCACAF Nations League Final between Mexico and the U.S. in March 2024. X/@Deannas_Husband
Punches were thrown inside AT&T Stadium. X/@Deannas_Husband
A security staffer could be seen making their way toward the chaos in the social media clip.
The fight wasn’t the only fan controversy of the match.
Officials stopped the match twice in the wake of homophobic chants being directed at U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner by pro-Mexico fans.
The game was initially paused in the 88th minute as homophobic chants were shouted when Turner would touch the ball, per the Dallas Morning News.
Debris was hurled in the direction of the scuffle. X/@Deannas_Husband
United States midfielder Tyler Adams (4) kicks the ball away from goalkeeper Matt Turner (1) and defender Chris Richards (3) against Mexico. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Though play resumed minutes later, the chants revved up again, prompting a second pause.
CONCACAF addressed the matter in a lengthy statement following the match.
“Concacaf condemns the discriminatory chanting in the final minutes of the Nations League Final between Mexico and the United States men’s national teams,” the statement began.
“Security staff in the stadium identified and ejected a significant number of fans, and the referee and match officials activated the FIFA protocol… It is extremely disappointing that this matter continues to be an issue at some matches.
United States goalkeeper Matt Turner celebrates after a win over Mexico in a CONCACAF Nations League final. AP
“… We will continue to urge fans to support their teams positively and with respect for the opposition and all participants in the game.”
A similar incident transpired at last year’s showdown between the two teams in Las Vegas.
Sunday’s victory marked a third straight U.S. win in the final.
USMNT stars Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna scored the goals for the U.S., with Adams opening the scoring in the 45th minute with a screamer from well outside the box that sent the stadium into a frenzy.
Reyna added a goal in the 63rd minute, later winning the tournament’s best player honors, while Turner was named best goalkeeper for the second straight year.