NHL suspends Panthers’ co-owner inappropriate tweets on Maple Leafs fan

The NHL has given Florida Panthers Vice President and alternative governor Doug Cifu a suspension and, after an inappropriate social media -Tirade during the fourth game on Sunday evening, prevented him from participating with the team.

The CIFU social media accounts have now been suspended, but the team leader had argued on Monday with a fan of Toronto Maple Leafs on X (formerly Twitter). The fan made a comparison between the hits that made the panthers on the leaves with that of the Israel and Palestine conflict, and prompted Cifu to call him “51st State Anti-Semite Loser” pro TSN.

“The NHL came to the conclusion that Mr. Cifus’s X posts were not acceptable and inappropriate. As a result, Mr. Cifu was exposed to the participation of the association and the NHL indefinitely,” said the league in a statement on Tuesday. “A personal session will be planned at a time with Mr. Cifu and the Commissioner at a time.”

“Two days ago I published unfortunate and inflammatory comments on social media. My behavior does not reflect the standards of the organization of Florida Panthers and the Viola family,” said Cifu in a statement.

“I sincerely apologize to everyone who is affected by my comments. I am obliged to work with the NHL to change my actions,” he concluded.

Game 5 is planned for Wednesday evening in the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Puck Drop is set for 7 p.m.

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