Pierre Houde finds himself at the center of a controversy after a statement that he must regret today.
During the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Canadiens yesterday, a seemingly innocuous scene revealed a certain contempt for another Montreal sports team.
During a break, the giant screen of the ice rink displayed an image of Wilfried Nancy, former head coach of CF Montreal, now at the head of the Columbus Crew.
The latter, champion last season and coach of the year this season, wrote a page of history in MLS.
Faced with this public recognition, Marc Denis, colleague of Pierre Houde, tried to emphasize the importance of this moment for Montreal soccer, while criticizing CF Montreal.
“Is he the one we let go to FC Montreal, Pierre? “, he asked.
Houde’s response was as brief as it was disconcerting:
“I don’t know, I’m not that!” “.
A response which shocks and above all, which is perceived as contemptuous towards CF Montreal and its former coach.
This sentence, apparently simple, was perceived as a mark of condescension towards CF Montreal, a team which nevertheless shares the same city as the Canadian and which should be celebrated by all Montreal sports fans.
On social networks, the reactions were not long in coming. Many fans expressed their indignation, accusing Pierre Houde of disrespecting not only CF Montreal, but also Wilfried Nancy, whose career inspires pride and admiration.
Pierre Houde’s attitude contrasts sharply with the inclusive approach expected of a sports commentator of his stature and class.
CF Montreal, although operating in the shadow of the Canadian, represents an important part of the city’s sporting identity.
For many, ignoring his name or the legacy left by a coach like Wilfried Nancy speaks to a larger problem: the lack of recognition for sports other than hockey in Montreal.
Criticism is also increasing towards RDS, accused of neglecting soccer coverage and of promoting a mentality where only the Canadian matters.
Some observers point out that such a comment would never have been made regarding a hockey figure, emphasizing the extent to which soccer is not “respected” in Quebec.
It is particularly regrettable that this comment comes when CF Montreal must combat the rumors of moves spread by Jean-Charles Lajoie every day.
Pierre Houde not only missed an opportunity to promote a significant figure in Montreal sport, but he also reinforced the feeling that soccer remains underestimated in a city that is nevertheless multicultural and passionate about sport.
This controversy raises an important question: why do certain segments of the Montreal sports world still struggle to support CF Montreal?
In a city where sport is supposed to be a symbol of unity and pride, such a contemptuous comment from a respected personality like Pierre Houde leaves a bitter taste.
Montreal sport is not just about hockey, and it is time for those who have a platform to fully recognize this.
For Pierre Houde, the time has come to explain himself, or even to make amends, in order to regain the trust of some Montreal fans.
Because his statement where he claims not to follow soccer immediately ignited social networks. Soccer fans in Quebec, already accustomed to seeing their favorite sport relegated to the background, were merciless.
The general tone of the comments was scathing, reflecting a deep frustration with the lack of respect given to CF Montreal and its key figures.
“How can we ignore Wilfried Nancy? He is one of the best coaches that Montreal has had, in all disciplines! », protested an Internet user on X.
Another added:
“Pierre Houde has just proven that he lives in a bubble. CF Montreal represents the city as much as the Canadian. This kind of arrogance is unacceptable. »
On sports forums and discussion groups dedicated to soccer, criticism has multiplied, denouncing a flagrant lack of professionalism and open-mindedness.
Some have even questioned the relevance of Pierre Houde as a media figure.
“It’s time for him to get out of his comfort zone and get interested in something other than hockey. Montreal is not just about CH, and it’s sad to see such ignorance in 2024,” wrote a user on Facebook.
The words “arrogance” and “disconnection” came up frequently to describe Houde’s attitude.
Beyond individual criticisms, this controversy proves a persistent divide in the Quebec sporting landscape.
Soccer fans often feel that their sport is treated like a poor cousin compared to the omnipresence of hockey.
By attacking such a respected commentator, soccer fans have sent a clear message: they will no longer tolerate their passion being neglected or despised.
Several also pointed out that, in a city as diverse as Montreal, these types of remarks were harmful not only to sport, but also to the image of the city itself.
The controversy surrounding Pierre Houde goes beyond the simple comment as such.
It raises fundamental questions about the place of soccer in the Quebec sporting landscape and the responsibility of public figures to represent all sports equitably.
Montreal should feel proud to have an MLS team.
For Pierre Houde, it is imperative to understand the significance of his words. To ignore CF Montreal is to ignore part of the city’s pride and sporting diversity.
If Montreal wants to assert itself as a world-class sporting metropolis, it is time for all its disciplines, from hockey to soccer, to be valued at their true value.
The opportunity is perfect for Pierre Houde and RDS to recognize their mistake and reach out to a sporting community that only asks to be respected.
It is clear that RDS is angry that MLS is practically only broadcast on Apple TV, while the sports network has picked up the crumbs from a few matches.
But that is no reason to fall into contempt.
RDS and Houde must react.
