Don Cherry is under fire for scolding immigrants who don’t wear poppies on national television.

The 85-year-old said on Saturday on his weekly Coach's Corner segment as part of Hockey Night in Canada that he's less frequently seeing people wearing poppies anymore to honour fallen Canadian soldiers.

He singled out those he believes are immigrants in Toronto, prompting a swift online backlash.

Just realized my poppy fell off this morning. Am anxious to get a new one before Don Cherry has me sent back to where I came from. #youpeople — Scott Reid (@_scottreid) November 10, 2019

Dear Don Cherry,



No. — Arlene Dickinson (@ArleneDickinson) November 10, 2019

For @CoachsCornerDC to say that “you people” do not respect or our veterans is despicable. We’re proud of diverse cultural heritage and we‘ll always stand up for it. New immigrants enrich our country for the better. We’re all Canadians and wear our poppies proudly. — Bonnie Crombie (@BonnieCrombie) November 10, 2019

"You people ... you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey, at least you can pay a couple bucks for a poppy or something like that," Cherry said.

"These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada, these guys paid the biggest price."

Many people outraged by the comments have called for Cherry to be fired, labelling him as a disgrace.

@CoachsCornerDC I’ve always watched coaches corner and loved your take on things,loved watching the fights and big hits heck I’ve got all the rockem sockem videos somewhere, but...times have changed, concussions aren’t funny, racism isn’t tolerated, time to retire while you can — Tim James (@tim_whitey) November 10, 2019

.@CoachsCornerDC My maternal grandfather (seated far left) fought in WW2. I am the daughter of immigrants. I love hockey. I am sports writer. And I refuse to accept your anti-immigrant rhetoric on the @hockeynight platform.

You are a disgrace. For shame. #BoomerNightinCanada pic.twitter.com/bK9vc1XXzK — Shireen Ahmed (@_shireenahmed_) November 10, 2019

It’s time for Don Cherry to stop lecturing and start learning about the diverse and compassionate country we live in together. We are deeply grateful to our Veterans and welcome new Canadians with support and respect. — Josh Matlow (@JoshMatlow) November 10, 2019

Don, let me introduce you to “#youpeople”



My great grandfather, Hira Singh, who served in WW1 & WW2 under the British.



We honour all who served. #RemembranceSunday pic.twitter.com/pNeBlJMC4R — Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) November 10, 2019

"I refuse to accept your anti-immigrant rhetoric on the @hockeynight platform," Shireen Ahmed wrote.

"It's time for Don Cherry to stop lecturing and start learning about the diverse and compassionate country we live in together," Toronto city councillor Josh Matlow wrote on Twitter.

“We are deeply grateful to our Veterans and welcome new Canadians with support and respect."

Mr. Cherry should come to Old City Hall tomorrow where he would see thousands of Canadians of all ages, nationalities, faiths and backgrounds honouring our veterans and demonstrating their love for Canada and our precious way of life, as they do every year. — John Tory (@JohnTory) November 10, 2019

Mississauga mayor Bonnie Crombie also weighed in on Cherry's remarks, saying "new immigrants enrich our country."

"For @CoachsCornerDC to say that 'you people' do not respect or our veterans is despicable. We’re proud of diverse cultural heritage and we‘ll always stand up for it," Crombie tweeted.

Some people are defending Cherry, saying his controversial comments were "right on the money".

Can anyone tell me exactly what #DonCherry said that was untrue? The only thing he said was that many people come to Canada for our freedoms but don’t appreciate that freedoms enough to support those who won it by wearing a poppy.



Is that not true? — AlbertaGirl (@AlbertaGrl) November 11, 2019

What don cherry said was true I agree with him 100% — brett (@brett12410593) November 11, 2019

@CoachsCornerDC Don cherry , you stick up for canadians , I dont blame you , I'm with you , you in our country you go buy our rules, also the poppy is the most heart felt poppy to wear for our troops who sacrificed there lives . Don Cherry I respect what you have to say . — Bret Fisher (@BretFisher12) November 11, 2019

Ron MacLean, who hosts the segment with Cherry, took to Twitter to apologize for the way he handled the situation.

I have worked with Don for 30 years, and we both love hockey. But last night, I know we failed you. I see hockey as part of what unites us. I have the honour of travelling across our country to celebrate Canada's game, and our diversity is one of our country's greatest strengths. — Ron MacLean (@RonMacLeanHTH) November 10, 2019

Meanwhile, Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley publically apologized for Cherry’s comments on Sunday morning. Yabsley says the network has spoken to Cherry about the severity of his comments.

"We have spoken with Don about the severity of this issue and we sincerely apologize for these divisive remarks," Yabsley said.

The National Hockey League also released a statement on Sunday afternoon, calling the comments "offensive".

"Hockey is at its best when it brings people together," the statement said.

"The comments made last night were offensive and contrary to the values we believe in."

With files from The Canadian Press.