Alexi Lalas questions refs stopping play in USMNT game for homophobic slurs: 'Rewards the bad behavior'

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The United States men's national soccer team took down Mexico, 2-0, in their Nations League match on Sunday night, but that wasn't the big story in the end. 

U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner was the target of homophobic slurs from the crowd, which eventually led to a stoppage of play on two occasions late in the match. 

Former USMNT player and current soccer analyst Alexi Lalas commented on the "discriminatory chanting" that was hurled Turner's way. 

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Matt Turner prior to the Nations League Final match against Mexico at AT&T Stadium on March 24, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

"I don't know what the answer is, but it seems like stopping the game for 5-minute punishments actually rewards the bad behavior of the crowd by giving them a power over what happens in the field," Lalas posted to X over the USMNT's account saying why there was a halt in play. 

VIEW THE POST ON X

One X user tried giving a solution to Lalas' statement, saying a goal should be rewarded to the other team if chants like this occur. Lalas begged to differ. 

"No, it will give offenders in the stands the power to influence the game. To many, that is more intoxicating than the score."

Mexico fans shouted slurs at Turner during every goal kick, and despite warnings over the PA system in the arena, referees were forced to stop play to make it stop. 

This was a problem in last year's semifinal matchup between these two countries during Nations League, where similar homophobic chants were used. 

CONCACAF released a statement after the game regarding the situation. 

Alexi Lalas on the Green