Czech judge bans fans behind racial taunts of Wayne Simmonds
Judge tosses 8 followers of Chomutov Pirates
A court in the Czech Republic has banned eight fans from a stadium for one year for racially abusing Philadelphia Flyers winger Wayne Simmonds in October when he was playing there during the NHL lockout.
Judge Petr Novak at the court in the northern city of Chomutov called Wednesday's verdict "sufficient."
Simmonds, who is black, was the target of racist chants while playing for Liberec White Tigers at the Chomutov Pirates on Oct. 28 in the Czech league.
The Czech Republic ice hockey federation has already fined the Pirates $1,500 US for the chants. The Chomutov club also apologized to Simmonds.
The incident was not the first time Simmonds had been subjected to abuse by fans. Last year, a banana was thrown at Simmonds from the stands during an NHL pre-season game in London, Ont.
Christopher Moorhouse was fined $200 after pleading guilty to engaging in a prohibited activity.
The incident touched off widespread controversy, drawing a sharp condemnation from the National Hockey League and prompting the city of London to issue an apology on behalf of its citizens.
With files from The Canadian Press