After quietly deleting a social-media post seemingly celebrating a win at the expense of the winless Ottawa Redblacks earlier this week, the B.C. Lions were on the other side of the equation early Saturday morning.
The Montreal Alouettes, in the aftermath of their victory against the visiting Lions on Friday night, took to social media with an almost identical graphic to B.C.'s previous social-media post.
Under the headline 'Club Statement', the Alouettes wrote: "The Montreal Alouettes have decided to respectfully refrain from posting win memes tonight of out an abundance of caution for the well-being of the B.C. Lions who copped out and deleted their victory meme from last week.
"Please know that the Montreal Alouettes are excited about their win but extend the deepest sympathy to the B.C. Lions and their social media staff. Thank you."
The wording had many similarities to the Lions' deleted post after the win over the Redblacks.
"The BC Lions have decided to respectfully refrain from posting win memes tonight out of an abundance of caution for the well-being of the Ottawa Redblacks and their fans," the statement said. "Please know the BC Lions are excited about their win but extend the deepest of sympathy for all those who experienced another loss tonight.
"The Road Team, please enjoy yet another lemon. Thank you."
The post was deleted from the Lions' social media accounts on Monday afternoon after drawing mixed reactions. Some social media users voiced their displeasure at the tone while others questioned the validity of a team trolling another in its league.
"I slept on it and yeah, I don’t like this at all," said Dave Campbell, the Edmonton Elks' radio colour analyst. "I’ve seen up close what it’s like for an organization to struggle and fan base that is discouraged by it."
"Wow. Cold," said former Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Troy Westwood.
Hamilton-based sports anchor Clint (Bubba) O'Neil called the tweet a "cheap shot" and a "poor look."
There was no immediate comment from the Redblacks, who are off until Sept. 12 when they visit the Toronto Argonauts.
"Love chirps from team accounts. But if you’re going to go this way the statement has to be at least a bit clever. This is just trying too hard to end up with cheap grasping at low-hanging fruit," posted former Redblacks communications manager Chris Hofley.
— with files from CP.
