Blackhawks Fans Ejected For Racist Chant At Black Caps Player

CHICAGO, IL — Four Chicago Blackhawks fans were thrown out of the United Center on Saturday night for yelling racist remarks at a black Washington Capitals player, according to ESPN. A representative for the Caps said the fans shouted, "Basketball! Basketball! Basketball!" at forward Devante Smith-Pelly while he was in the penalty box in the third period following a fight with Chicago defenseman Connor Murphy, the report added.

In a statement after the game Saturday, Feb. 17, the Blackhawks apologized to Smith-Pelly and the Capitals for the fans' behavior and said the individuals had been immediately removed from the stadium.

"We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for everyone who attends our games and these actions will never be tolerated," the Blackhawks' statement read.

Smith-Pelly, 25, told ESPN on Sunday that the incident crossed the line when it comes to competitive jeering between fans and players. The situation obviously upset the Caps player, who used his stick to tap on the penalty box glass when the fans began shouting at him during Saturday's game. He called the confrontation "disgusting" and described the individuals as "a few ignorant people being idiots."

"It's sad that in 2018 we're still talking about the same thing, over and over," Smith-Pelly, whose NHL debut was in 2011, told ESPN. "It's sad that athletes like myself 30, 40 years ago were standing in the same spot saying the same thing. You'd think there'd be some sort of change or progression, but we're still working toward it, I guess, and we're going to keep working toward it."

Commissioner Gary Bettman said Sunday that the NHL condemned the fans' actions and supported the response by the Blackhawks and the United Center. The league has fewer than 30 black players on team rosters, according to ESPN.

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Four Chicago Blackhawks fans were ejected from the United Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, after chanting racist remarks at Washington Capitals forward Devante Smith-Pelly (25). (Photo by Jeff Haynes | Associated Press)