Charge laid in banana throwing incident
Posted Sep 28, 2011 02:14:09 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Police have charged a 26-year-old man over an apparent racial incident in which a banana was thrown on the ice while a black player was taking part in a shootout during an NHL pre-season game.
Police say Chris Moorhouse of London, Ont., has been served a summons for engaging in a prohibited activity under the provincial Trespass to Property Act.
If convicted, he faces a fine of up to $2,000. London Police Chief Brad Duncan said the offence did not meet the threshold of a hate crime or mischief.
“You have to demonstrate and be motivated by hatred,” he told a news conference Wednesday.
“Although the banana did hit the ice it did not interfere with the play so it didn’t meet the mischief threshold.”
The incident occurred last Thursday during the Philadelphia Flyers’ 4-3 exhibition win over the Detroit Red Wings.
