“My choice is to remain true to myself and my religion”: Provorov refused to participate in a rally in support of LGBT

A real scandal erupted in the National Hockey League because of the act of Philadelphia defender Ivan Provorov.

The Russian refused to participate in the action in support of the LGBT community, which is organized annually by the team and the NHL.

He turned out to be the only one who did not go to the reel in a jersey with a rainbow number and a club wrapped in multi-colored tape.

Both items of equipment were supposed to become lots of a charity auction, and the proceeds from them were to go to the development of the sport in various associations.

As Provorov explained to reporters after the match with Anaheim, in which his team won with a score of 5: 2, participation in such events is contrary to his views - he is an Orthodox Christian.

“I respect every person and his choice.

My choice is to remain true to myself and my religion, ”said the Russian and asked to continue asking him questions only after a meeting.

The club tried to mitigate the effect of Provorov's act by publishing a message in support of LGBT people on the website, but without any specifics or names.

Philadelphia is committed to inclusion... Many of our players are active in helping local organizations, and this year we were proud to host another Pride Night promotion,” the Flyers said in a statement.

At the same time, the head coach of Philadelphia, John Tortorella, took the side of the athlete.

He also did not apply any sanctions to the player.

The defender spent more than 22 minutes on the ice and left the ice with a +1 utility indicator.

“As for Provorov, he is true to himself and his religion.

These are his convictions and his faith.

And I respect that in him: he is always true to himself.

Like this, ”the mentor explained at a press conference.

It should be noted that Tortorella behaves very delicately in relations with hockey players.

Earlier, he promised to punish anyone who did not stand up during the anthem.

However, by 2020, when demonstrations against racial discrimination actively began in the United States, he changed his position.

Now the specialist prefers not to impose sanctions on athletes if they explain why they want to take part in a political action or, conversely, refuse it.

At the same time, the support of the coach did not save Provorov from negative comments on social networks.

Moreover, including journalists attacked him.

TSN insider Pierre Lebrun stated that the player's behavior showed disrespect for society.

“Otherwise, he would have taken part in the warm-up and put on a uniform (in the appropriate colors. -

).

No need to hide behind religion,” he wrote.

According to another TSN representative, Gord Miller, the Russian should have been punished for such behavior.

“Provorov had every right to refuse to participate in the Pride Night in Philadelphia.

And the club in response had to ban him from participating in the match.

Freedom of expression does not exempt you from the consequences of your words and actions, ”Miller expressed his position.

Hockey player Erin Ambrose also criticized the club's management for the lack of response to the behavior of the Russian.

“Let's get this straight: your player is publicly refusing to take part in an inclusive action to support a community that I am honored to belong to.

And after that you still release it to the game?

Flyers, be better, ”the Canadian wrote.

The pressure from the North American public turned out to be very impressive, and Provorov was eventually forced to close comments on his social networks.

In Russia, the athlete's behavior, on the contrary, was supported.

According to State Duma deputy Dmitry Svishchev, a hockey player has the right to his opinion and beliefs.

“I really liked the position of Philadelphia, whose coach said that he respects Provorov’s views on this topic.

Everyone has their own customs, someone wants to go out in such symbols, someone does not, the choice of a person must be treated with understanding, ”he said in a conversation with Match TV.

Agree with Svishchev and three-time world champion in hockey in the Russian national team Alexei Tereshchenko.

He is against the forcible imposition of Western values ​​on the players.

“They are constantly yelling that the United States is a democratic country, and everyone is free to do what they want.

I think Provorov did absolutely the right thing.

He acted like a man.

I would never agree to wear an LGBT sweater either.

Let them even fine and break contracts, although they do not have the right to do this.

This is my firm position.

There is a man and there is a woman.

There is a mother and there is a father.

It is laid down by nature.

And what they instill in themselves there is their problem, ”added the interlocutor of RT.

It should be noted that Provorov was one of the first Russians who openly refused to participate in the action in support of the LGBT community.

Earlier, Igor Shesterkin, Artemy Panarin, Evgeni Malkin and other hockey players participated in similar events of their clubs.

And Philadelphia has added a headache: the club previously wanted to exchange the defender, but now it will be much more difficult to find a new team for him because of public opinion.