Basketball Game at Monmouth U Marred by Anti-LGBTQ Taunt
A March 6 basketball game between Monmouth University and Siena College was marred by a group in the Monmouth section directing an anti-LGBTQ taunt at a Siena player, reports USA Today.
During the game - which Monmouth lost, 86-72, and which was Monmouth's final home game of the current season - a group of fans held up photos that reportedly came from the Tindr profile of a Siena player, while another individual hoisted a sign that read, "Stick to Grindr."
Tindr is a dating app primarily used by heterosexuals.
Monmouth University President Patrick F. Leahy sent out a tweet that included the official Monmouth seal. In the tweet, Leahy called the taunt "highly offensive," and vowed that the university was "working swiftly to gather additional details and to directly address the behavior with those involved."
A message to the Monmouth University community yesterday. pic.twitter.com/gqntsrffUl— Patrick F. Leahy (@PatrickFLeahy) March 8, 2020
Added Leahy:
"We value every member of our campus community. Strong and inclusive communities are built on a bond of trust. When that bond is broken, we take it very seriously. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated on this campus."
Those commenting on the tweet expressed dismay at the anti-LGBTQ antics.
Posted one:
"Pretty disappointing unsportsmanlike homophobic behavior that diminishes the educational experience"
Declared another: "That is atrocious. Real Hawks never fly that low."
Rowdy fans at sporting events have been known to mock players on rival teams by directing racist and homophobic signs and chants at them. Earlier this year, a soccer game in England was temporarily halted over what were reportedly anti-gay chants from some fans.