Gregg Berhalter and Chicago Fire Slam 'Disgraceful' Fan Chant That Rocked MLS Cup Playoffs
The Chicago Fire secured their first MLS Cup playoff berth since 2017 this autumn, however head coach Gregg Berhalter's concluding managerial actions in 2025 involved addressing supporters rather than directing players.
Chicago suffered a 3–0 defeat to Philadelphia Union in the second match of their best-of-three playoff series, ending their postseason run on Saturday evening. Officials halted play twice during the second half due to offensive chanting from Fire fans. The notorious chant contains derogatory language commonly regarded as homophobic.
Although initial chants proceeded without intervention, match officials implemented FIFA's "Three Step Protocol" shortly thereafter, temporarily stopping play for a stadium-wide announcement in the 78th minute.
"I believe that doesn't represent us, it's not what we've demonstrated throughout the season," Berhalter commented after the defeat. "We desire an atmosphere where people enjoy visiting the stadium, enjoy celebrating soccer, and that chant is completely unrelated to the sport of soccer."
Berhalter approached the supporters positioned behind the goal, requesting they cease the chanting.
The offensive chants resumed after the first interruption, leading to another brief stoppage just before the match concluded.
Chicago Fire reinforced Berhalter's message with an official club statement: "We're disheartened by the inappropriate chanting from a section of supporters during tonight's match. Such conduct doesn't represent our club's identity or principles. The use of offensive language at our games is entirely unacceptable and won't be permitted. Chicago Fire FC remains dedicated to creating an atmosphere where everyone—players, personnel, and supporters—feels secure and welcomed."
Following this elimination, the Fire look ahead to the 2026 MLS campaign, hoping their talented trio of Philip Zinckernagel, Hugo Cuypers and Jonathan Bamba can improve their showing and advance beyond seventh place in the Eastern Conference with deeper playoff runs.