Israel, Hamas, Canada: NHL co-owner banned for “inflammatory” social media comments

Florida Panthers minority owner Doug Cifu has been suspended by the NHL due to a string of offensive comments made on social media.

The remarks were made when Cifu was drawn into a conversation with a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are currently the Panthers’ playoff opponents. The messages began on the topic of hockey but Cifu, vice chairman and alternate governor of the Panthers, made a series of outrageous remarks regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict and the prospect of Canada becoming a 51st state.

During the Maples Leafs-Panthers series there have been a number of controversial high hits on Florida players. One Toronto-supporting fan on social media posed a question to Cifu, who has Israeli flags in his bio: “Hey, what’s worse, using headshots to win a series or using starvation as a weapon to win a war?”

Cifu responded by saying: “Actually being a whiny dope anti-semite is clearly worse. Loser.”

The original poster came back again, writing: “Not approving of using starvation as a weapon makes me a bigot?”

Finally, Cifu wrote, “Eat s**t 51st state anti-semite loser. Israel now and forever. Until ever last Hamas rat is eliminated.”

Cifu then deleted his social media account but the NHL was quick to investigate. In a statement released this week the league described the comments as “unacceptable and inappropriate” and confirmed that he had been “suspended indefinitely from any involvement with the Club and the NHL.”

In response, after the suspension had been announced, Cifu issued a statement: “Two days ago, I posted regrettable and inflammatory comments on social media. My behavior does not reflect the standards of the Florida Panthers organization and the Viola family. I sincerely apologize to all those affected by my comments. I am committed to working with the NHL to amend my actions.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.