Completely unacceptable racist gesture

The racist gesture of the Ukrainian hockey player on Sunday caused a lot of response from players in the sports world and many called for action.

At the end of the game, Andrei Deniskin exchanged words with one of his opponents, Jellen Smerek, a black man. He was immediately removed from the game and the video of his gesture quickly spread around the world.

“He should not be given a chance to play hockey again,” The Quebecker Matthew Joseph, who plays with Tampa Bay Lighting on Monday, ruled on Twitter. “I’m disgusted and sad to see. I can not wait to see the suspension.”

All who were asked to comment condemned the racist and bizarre gesture, but reminded that much work still needs to be done in this area.

“It’s a terrible thing to do,” Morgan Riley, a Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman, told Riley Sportsnet. It was disgusting. It has no place in our sport, but in our society. I do not know what to do about it, but there must be some action. This is a sign that there is still work to be done, it is clear. When something like that happens, it’s horrible. “

“We don’t want to see this anywhere,” Leafs goalie Jack Campbell said.

The elimination of such behavior clearly begins with the example set by the players for the community.

“I’s convinced that such a gesture will not be tolerated and that it will not be confirmed by me or our company,” said Sheldon Keefe, Leaf’s head coach.

Deniskin commented on his gesture on his Instagram: “This is a gesture that some consider a racist insult” and he started when his emotions improved. He said he respects everyone regardless of his race or nationality.