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Blackhawks ban four fans after racist taunt against Devante Smith-Pelly

"Totally unacceptable in our game, in any sport and in society today," Quenneville said after the morning skate ahead of Monday night's home game against the Los Angeles Kings.
Nov 16, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Devante Smith-Pelly (25) crashes into the boards in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The four fans ejected from Chicago's United Center for making racist taunts against a black hockey player have been banned from attending Blackhawks home games.

The fans were notified of the decision directly by the Blackhawks, team spokesman Adam Rogowin wrote in an email to The Associated Press on Monday.

"Racist comments and other inappropriate behavior are not tolerated by the Chicago Blackhawks," Rogowin wrote.

The ban comes after four fans were ejected for chanting "basketball, basketball, basketball" at Washington Capitals forward Devante Smith-Pelly, who was sitting in the penalty box during the Blackhawks' 7-1 win on Saturday.

The Blackhawks and arena officials reacted swiftly by ejecting four fans shortly after an off-ice official sitting next to Smith-Pelly — notified building security.

"It's pretty obvious what that means. It's not really a secret," Smith-Pelly said after the Capitals practiced in Buffalo on Sunday. "Whether it's that word or any other word, I got the idea. And I'm sure they got the idea, too. Just one word, and that's really all it takes."

What stunned the 25-year-old is how incidents such as these keep happening.

"It's disgusting," Smith-Pelly said. "You'd think there would 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."

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said he talked to Washington coach Barry Trotz on Sunday and apologized.

“Totally unacceptable in our game, in any sport and in society today,” Quenneville said after the morning skate ahead of Monday night’s home game against the Los Angeles Kings.

“We’ve got to learn from something like that. It can’t happen.”

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