Don Cherry trends on Twitter as people point to double standard over Ron MacLean apology

Don Cherry, Canada’s favourite coach, began to trend on Twitter Wednesday night after his former desk mate Ron MacLean issued a grovelling apology for an on-air joke he made that was perceived by many as "homophobic."

"I am deeply sorry. The idea of language of intention, of personal responsibility, I have seen those concepts used as broad exoneration. It's not enough ... I appreciate the power of the voices who spoke to me last night and this morning. It provides a sense of possibility. It's how change works," MacLean said in his apology to coworkers and the "LGBTQ2S+ community."

At issue is the fact that Don Cherry, the star of Coach’s Corner, was cancelled and mobbed out of his job on Hockey Night in Canada after saying that immigrants to Canada should honour those who fought for our freedom by wearing a poppy for Remembrance Day. MacLean did not come to his longtime partner's defence at the time and many Canadians believe that he threw Cherry under the bus in order to save his own career. Yet, MacLean appears to have won support among his colleagues after participating in a social justice struggle session.

Social media users are curious as to what Cherry thinks of the situation, and are also quick to point out how MacLean treated his longtime partner poorly during the scandal, eventually leading to Cherry’s dismissal over what was a misinterpretation of Cherry's comments as "anti-immigrant."

True North’s Candace Malcolm noted, "Ron MacLean was worse than silent when the mob went after Don Cherry.  He threw his longtime friend and colleague under the bus when the mob took Cherry’s comments out of context."

Some called for Cherry to be reinstated at Hockey Night in Canada as an analyst.

Spencer Fernando tweeted: "The irony is that if MacLean was in a tough spot and Don Cherry was still on the show, Cherry would be the first to defend him and stand up for him. Maclean's refusal to do the same may leave him with no defenders when he needs it."

Cherry, the 87-year-old broadcasting legend, recently told the Toronto Sun's Joe Warmington that he wished he could have weighed in during his usual time slot in the first intermission of what was an intense Game One between the Leafs and Habs. "I would have been good on that one," Cherry said to Warmington.

Judging by the action on social media, it appears Canada agrees and would love to see the coach back where he belongs.