The St. Louis Blues on Monday released a statement condemning “vile messages of hate,” relating to anti-Israel banners that were present at a recent home game.
Protestors on Thursday unfurled banners that read “Free America from Israel” and “Israel kills” during the Blues’ 6-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Blues responded with arena staff and local law enforcement to confiscate the prohibited signage and eject the protestors, then Monday followed up with a statement condemning the messages.
“The St. Louis organization — and I personally — condemn antisemitic rhetoric in all forms,” a statement from chairman Tom Stillman said. “The vile messages of hate briefly displayed at our game last Thursday were unfortunate and unforgivable, and not remotely representative of our fans or our hometown.
“Antisemitism has no place in our community, and we will never allow it in our building.”