Police Charge Man for Throwing Banana at NHL Player

(NewsCore) - Police in Canada charged a man for allegedly throwing a banana at a black Philadelphia Flyers player during a preseason game, the London Free Press reported Wednesday.

The incident occurred last Thursday night in London, Ontario, when Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds was attempting a shot during a shootout against the Detroit Red Wings.

Christopher Moorhouse, 26, was charged Wednesday with engaging in a prohibited activity under Canada's Trespass Act. If convicted, he faces a fine of up to $2,000.

London Police Chief Brad Duncan said the incident did not rise to the level of a hate crime in the eyes of authorities. He also cautioned people not to retaliate against Moorhouse, whom he described as remorseful for his actions.

"I want the public to allow the court process to unfold," Duncan said, acknowledging that the racist action drew international scrutiny.

Moorhouse's grandparents told the Free Press he "broke down" Tuesday and decided to turn himself in to police.

On Tuesday, London authorities said they had identified the suspected banana-tosser after receiving multiple tips from people who were at the game.

Simmonds was able to skate around the piece of fruit and score on the Red Wings goaltender.

"I've never had a banana thrown at me before. That's a first for me," Simmonds, a native of Toronto, said after the game. "I guess it's something I obviously have to deal with, being a black player playing a predominantly white sport."

Source: LFPress.com