BRIDGEVIEW, IL - Fans cheering on the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park are every bit as passionate at the ones who support professional Chicago sports teams at Soldier Field, the United Center, Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular Field.

But behind that passion is a dark cloud that continues to plague the game. A homophobic chant used primarily by the sport's Mexican fans has been around for decades.

¡PUTO! is used by groups of fans to taunt the opposing team's goalie. It's often heard during penalty kicks and tense moments when the game is on the line. It has been heard during the World Cup, at international friendlies and has made its way over to the United States at Major League Soccer venues throughout the country. "I can't remember a time in soccer when I did not hear that chant," said first-year Chicago Fire General Manager Nelson Rodriguez, who has been involved with MLS since its inception in 1996 and part of competitive soccer for even longer.

"It may not be heard in every stadium in every league, but it has been prevalent in the sport." The ¡PUTO! chant is considered homophobic. Its meaning is something to the effect of "male prostitute," "gigolo" or "man whore," according to LatinoRebels.com. It's a counterpart to "puta," which is a Mexican slang term for a female prostitute.

Rodriguez has always known the use of the term is wrong.

"Personally I have always been offended by it and always felt it was inappropriate," he said.

But during a recent Fire home game against the New York Red Bulls, he decided it was time to take a public stand. Chicago Tribune columnist and avid Fire fan John Kass describes Rodriguez taking the field before the match and warning fans that if they were heard chanting the phrase, they would be kicked out.