Shithead Blackhawks Fans Chant "Basketball" At Caps Forward Devante Smith-Pelly

Chris Thompson|published: Sun 18th February, 11:36 2018

Photo credit: Jeff Haynes/ [object Object]

Devante Smith-Pelly was subjected to racist taunts from fans at the United Center in Chicago during Saturday’s Capitals-Blackhawks tilt, according to a report from the :

Washington Capitals forward Devante Smith-Pelly went to the penalty box after a fight 8:36 into the third period Saturday night at United Center, and four fans sitting against the glass of the box chanted “Basketball, basketball, basketball!” at him, according to a team spokesman. Smith-Pelly is black.

The fans were reportedly kicked out of the game once an off-ice official in the penalty box notified arena security. Heckling is part of the deal when you’re in the penalty box; being subjected to racist chants from shithead hockey fans obviously should not be. The NHL is currently celebrating something called Hockey Is For Everyone month, “a campaign by the league that emphasizes inclusion.”

Update: Smith-Pelly spoke to the media Sunday about the incident:

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