On Sunday March 12th 2017 the Sheffield Steelers played their first home game since PA announcer David Simms made homophobic comments over the arena microphone during a Saturday March 4th Elite League fixture.

Between the two games the league remained silent amid international media coverage. The Steelers released two statements direct from a case study in ‘how to prolong a public relations nightmare.’ The first statement was later deleted.

Simms’ on-camera apology lacked authenticity, remorse and understanding. An apology he contradicted on Twitter where he also went on a blocking spree of people critical of his actions before privatising his account.

The online behaviour of some British ice hockey fans reinforced the scene’s culture problem. While the behaviour of others demonstrated there is overwhelming support for progressive change in our sport.

Supporters of Cardiff Devils, the Steelers’ opponents on Sunday, displayed a rainbow flag at the game in solidarity with the LGBT community. Proof that the example set by management rubs off on a fanbase. It’s unfathomable that the team and the league would allow Simms back on the arena mic.

But this being British ice hockey. They did.

Since his “them bastards from Nottingham” comment and subsequent final warning from the Elite League in 2011, Simms has made homophobic comments in public eight times. Eight times, the Sheffield Steelers and Elite League have failed to take action.

It’s time to look up the ladder. Representatives from each of the league’s 10 teams comprise the EIHL board. For 2017/18 the addition of Guildford Flames and Milton Keynes Lightning will take that number to 12. In theory, each team has equal say on league matters. In reality, the EIHL Chairman has the final call.

Ice Hockey UK is the governing body of British ice hockey. As the EIHL is an independent league, Ice Hockey UK has no power over it. The EIHL Chairman’s position as an IHUK Director is the lone link between the two. Since summer 2011 the Steelers have been owned by a local businessman who was recommend to the previous ownership group as a potential investor. In addition to achieving financial stability, the new owner’s biggest aim was to make home games “as entertaining as they used to be.” Tony Smith is the Sheffield Steelers owner. Tony Smith is the Elite League Chairman. Tony Smith is the EIHL’s sole voice in the Ice Hockey UK boardroom.

Tony Smith has repeatedly failed to reprimand David Simms for his public displays of homophobia. Tony Smith allowed Simms back on the arena mic after he once again brought the sport into disrepute using that very platform.

As the anti-homophobia activist Kanye West once said: “No one man should have all that power.”

RELATED STORY: David Simms, Sheffield Steelers, The Elite League & British Ice Hockey’s Culture Problem (March 11, 2017)