The Pittsburgh Penguins caused online backlash on Wednesday after a social media employee photoshopped face masks on fans in a photo taken during the team’s first home game to spectators since March last year.
“We just had to say this again … thank you for the continued support, Penguins fans,” posted the team’s official Twitter account next to an image showing all fans properly wearing face coverings. “We can’t wait to see you tomorrow night.”
The ice hockey team had returned to PPG Paints Arena the night before to take on the Philadelphia Flyers on their way to a 5-2 victory. Only 2,800 people were allowed in to watch the action and there was a zero-tolerance policy for masks. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, it was the Penguin’s first home game for fans since March 2, 2020.
But some eagle-eyed Twitter users noticed something wasn’t quite right. The original Getty photo shows an unmasked female fan in the top right corner, while two others didn’t cover their faces properly.
One critic quickly proclaimed the seemingly distorted image as the team’s “terrible BS”.
“Enforce the rules or not, but don’t lie to us either,” the tweet read. “Piss off poor jobs Pens.”
Another critic admitted that “growing pains” were expected with the mask policy, given that it was the first spectator home game, yet said the team “should do better”.
Meanwhile, another person joked that the team’s account appeared to be run by a “ real penguin. ”
“Photoshop is difficult without fingers,” was the answer.
In a statement to The Post on Thursday, the team acknowledged that a social media employee had sent the ‘altered’ photo and has since been reprimanded.
“We are delighted to have our fans back to PPG Paints Arena, and on the advice of medical professionals, we are taking every precaution to enforce the use of masks to keep our fans safe,” the statement said. “We have adopted a zero tolerance policy and our arena staff has roving teams to enforce during home games.”
However, the team said the “perhaps well-intentioned” staffer should not have manipulated the general public’s photo of “a few fans” who were not following the rules.
“Our social media team should never send modified photos to our fans,” the statement continued. “This is a violation of our social media and security policy, and this executive has been punished.”
Fans were allowed to re-enter the arena after Governor Tom Wolf increased indoor venue capacity to 15 percent, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
“We are grateful for the loyalty our fans showed during this difficult time,” said Penguins coach Mike Sullivan.
“We feel like we have some of the most loyal fans in the sport. These guys have been so supportive of our players over the years. I know the players appreciate that. “