Vancouver erupted into "embarrassing and shameful" riots after the Canucks lost game seven of the Stanley Cup finals to Boston.
City a battle ground after Stanley Cup defeat
Vancouver erupted into "embarrassing and shameful" riots after the Canucks lost game seven of ice hockey's Stanley Cup finals to the Boston Bruins on Wednesday.
The Canucks were shut out 4-0 at home by the Bruins as they made it three defeats out of three in finals series.
And afterwards the streets of the city became a battle ground as hundreds of angry fans went on the rampage. Vehicles were overturned and set alight, tens of buildings had their windows smashed and riot police were attacked.
Bridges into the city were blocked by authorities as the situation escalated.
The incident brought back memories of the 1994 riot which erupted after the Canucks' Stanley Cup loss to the New York Rangers.
Disappointing
City mayor Gregor Robertson said: "It is extremely disappointing to see the situation in downtown Vancouver turn violent after the Stanley Cup game.
"Vancouver is a world-class city and it is embarrassing and shameful to see the type of violence and disorder we've seen.
"The vast majority of people who were downtown were there to enjoy the game in a peaceful and respectful manner. It is unfortunate that a small number of people intent on criminal activity have turned pockets of the downtown into areas involving destruction of property and confrontations with police."
