Habs, Bruins denounce fans who made racist comments towards Subban on social media

Boston (CP) — A playoff hockey classic was shoved to the backburner Friday as Canadiens and Bruins players and coaches found themselves addressing the ugly issue of racism.

Montreal defenceman P.K. Subban, who is black, was targeted for racial abuse on social media in the wake of his winning goal in Thursday’s thrilling 4-3 double-overtime playoff win over Boston.

“I’m shocked,” Montreal coach Michel Therrien told reporters Friday. “Honestly I’m shocked to hear those type of comments.”

“No one deserves to be treated like this,” he added. “And P.K. has all our support.”

Many comments with racist and derogatory terms were posted on Twitter and other social media websites after the victory. The 24-year-old Subban, a slick-skating defenceman who is one of the NHL’s most exciting players, scored twice as Montreal won the opener of the best-of-seven second-round series.

Subban was not made available by the Canadiens, who had a closed gym session instead of a practice Friday thanks to the tight turnaround between Thursday’s extended Game 1 and the afternoon start for Game 2 today.

Montreal brought out four players, all of whom decried the abuse of their teammate.

“I just think it’s unacceptable,” said defenceman Mike Weaver. “It’s just classless.” Forward David Desharnais echoed his coach. “Nobody deserves to be treated like that. It has nothing to do with sports or anything,” he said.

“You’d like to think that it wouldn’t happen but it does,” said Montreal forward Brendan Gallagher. “It’s still part of the life and part of the world ... I think it is getting better. I think it’s a very small group of people. It doesn’t represent the National Hockey League in any way. We have great fans.”

Gallagher said P.K. Subban was professional in handling the abuse.

“He understands the best way to handle it is just ignore it,” he said. “And understand that their opinions don’t really mean anything. ”Boston was quick to denounce those responsible.

“The racist, classless views expressed by an ignorant group of individuals following Thursday’s game via digital media are in no way a reflection of anyone associated with the Bruins organization,” team president Cam Neely said in a statement.