Florida Panthers
Club owners insulted fan – league grabs hard
14.05.2025 – 00:16 a.m.Reading time: 1 min.
The co-owner of the US ice hockey club Florida Panthers got into a fight with a fan of Toronto Maple Leafs on social media. This has now followed for Doug Cifu.
The co-owner of the Florida Panthers, Doug Cifu, was suspended by the NHL after inappropriate statements in a dispute with a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs on the social media platform X. This was announced by the North American ice hockey profile on Tuesday. In the course of the conversation, Cifu had referred to the Canadian supporter as the “51st State Anti-Semite Loser”.
Cifu alluded to the statements of US President Donald Trump, who had expressed that Canada could become the 51st state of the United States. Trump’s idea had led to political tensions between neighboring countries. In his comments, Cifu also referred to the conflict between Hamas and Israel.
“The NHL came to the conclusion that Mr. Cifu’s X contributions were unacceptable and inappropriate,” said a statement of the league: “As a result, Mr. Cifu was suspended indefinitely from any collaboration with the club and the NHL.
Cifu asked in a statement about forgiveness. “Two days ago I published regrettable and compliant comments on social media,” Cifu was quoted by US media.
The Panthers, in which the German international Nico Sturm is also under contract, are currently on Toronto in the play-offs. After four games it is 2-2 in the heated quarter -final series.