PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Flyers lost Game 3 in their opening round series with Washington Monday night.
They also lost whatever respect was left for their fans.
The game was interrupted several times because of fan behavior.
Brawl ended with fans hurling debris to ice
Prior to the start of the match, the Flyers organization honored the memory of Mr. Ed Snider who passed on just as the Flyers were locking up a post season berth this season.
As part of that tribute, the Flyers distributed bracelets to memorialize Mr. Snider.
As the third period dragged on in another losing effort, fans started throwing the bracelets to the ice surface following a brawl on the ice.
Despite repeated admonishments from announcer Lou Nolan the fans continued with the littering of the ice leading to a delay of game penalty for the Flyers.
In a game already decided long before the penalty or dishonor of the memory of Mr. Snider, the actions of fans in the building were a disgrace to that memory and the pride the Philadelphia Flyers organization has for its history and its founder, Mr. Snider.
Philadelphia sports fans have been roundly criticized for their actions at other events including the Eagles but Monday evening was beyond the pale. On an evening dedicated in part to the memory of the man who gave them the Flyers and ensured their long-term success and stability in Philadelphia, the fans disrespected Mr. Snider and his family
Serena Snider, Ed Snider’s daughter, tweeted her reaction to the scene: “My dad would’ve called the wristband throwers a “disgrace” & may have spoken publicly. But he wouldn’t look back, only forward.”
In addressing the incident, the Flyers released their own statement
“Flyers fans are the best in sports. However, last night, a number of individuals behaved in an unacceptable manner.”
“Fans have the right to voice their displeasure vocally or by not watching or attending games, but when displeasure is expressed in a way that embarrasses or endangers others, it cannot be condoned or tolerated. As an organization and on behalf of the overwhelming majority of Flyers’ fans who express their passion in a positive manner, we wish to express our sincere regret.”
Working the game Monday was disappointing for this reporter as the bracelets rained down on the ice; the bracelets blended with the ice and were difficult to discern. The ice was managed and clean and no skaters were injured as a result.
With the Game 4 this evening hockey fans can only hope there will not be a repeat of Monday night and the Flyers faithful re-establish themselves as the reasonable and loyal group they are and not a foolish mob.
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