By Connor O’Donovan Global News
Posted November 10, 2019

Dr. Habib ur Rehman, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Regina Chapter, spoke to Global News about controversial Don Cherry comments. Connor O’Donovan / Global News

–

“I was disappointed.”

Those were the first words spoken by Dr. Habib ur Rehman, the president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Regina Chapter, when asked by Global News how he felt about Don Cherry’s controversial Saturday night comments.

“I think Don’s comments are designed to create disharmony and misinformation,” he said. “He should have done more research before opening his mouth. We should remember that in World War I, more than 2.5 million Indians fought for the British Empire. More than 90,000 people died. That was an effort from this so-called immigrant population.”

READ MORE: Ron MacLean apologizes for not challenging Don Cherry’s ‘hurtful and prejudiced’ comments

Cherry is facing backlash for comments he made during Saturday night’s Hockey Night in Canada broadcast. During his weekly Coach’s Corner segment, Cherry complained that he’s less frequently seeing people wearing poppies to honour fallen Canadian soldiers — and he singled out those he believes are immigrants in the Toronto area.
Don Cherry is facing backlash over comments made during a Hockey Night In Canada broadcast on Nov. 9. Global News

Dr. Rehman says many of those who attend his mosque are immigrants. He said his, and Ahmadiyya Muslim mosques across the country, have been the site of poppy boxes and collected donations for the Royal Canadian Legion for weeks now.

“We have been doing the poppy drive for the past month. Form Toronto to Vancouver — everywhere,” he said. “That is to remember the veterans who sacrificed their lives for this country. It’s important for keeping their memories alive and letting our youth know they were the people who sacrificed their lives for their sake.”

Several individuals and organizations connected to Cherry have since posted public apologies. Bart Yabsley, Sportsnet president, called the comments “discriminatory” and “offensive” and said the network has “spoken with Don about the severity” of the issue.

The NHL also issued a statement Saturday saying “Hockey is at its best when it brings people together. The comments made last night were offensive and contrary to the values we believe in.”

And Ron MacLean, Cherry’s Coach’s Corner co-host, has also spoken out about the comments, saying “It was a divisive moment and I am truly upset with myself for allowing it.”

Many have also taken to social media calling on Rogers Media and Sportsnet to sever ties with the famed television personality. The hashtag #fireCherry was trending on Twitter Sunday

source:

Member of Regina mosque, site of a poppy box for weeks, responds to Don Cherry