Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella reiterated his support of Ivan Provorov's refusal to wear a Pride jersey, claiming the defenseman 'did nothing wrong.'

Provorov boycotted Tuesday's pre-game skate over his refusal to wear a Pride-themed warmup jersey, citing his Russian Orthodox faith for the decision.

The hockey world was quickly split over Provorov's decision but Tortorella defended the Russian, saying he 'was true to himself and to his religion.' 

The coach once again backed his player Thursday as he insisted that he didn't do anything wrong, despite people's criticism. 

'As I said, Provy did nothing wrong,' Tortorella said Thursday, via the Philadelphia Inquirer. 'Just because you don't agree with his decision doesn't mean he did anything wrong.'

'Provy's not out there banging a drum against Pride Night. He quietly went about his business. 

'Him and I had a number of conversations to how we were going to do this. You have the team, you have him, you have all this going on. Talked to [alternate captain Scott Laughton.] Went through the whole process there. [Provorov] felt strongly with his beliefs. And he stayed with it. And this was discussed, prior up to that.

'But I'm trying to make a correlation to how I was wrong. You asked me if I was going to bench him? Why would I bench him? Because of a decision he's making on his beliefs and his religion? 

'It turned out to be a great night for Pride Night. Players were involved. The building was filled. There was awareness and everything. Provy didn't actively seek out and try to make a stand against it. He just felt he didn't want to take warmup. 

'I respect him for his decision. I thought the team handled themselves well. I thought our whole organization handled itself well to make sure we didn't lose sight of that night.'

After logging 23 minutes in the Flyers' 5-2 win over visiting Anaheim Tuesday, Provorov said:  'I respect everybody's choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my religion. That's all I'm going to say.'

He did not answer any follow-up questions about his decision.

However, some leading media members attacked Provorov.

'But Provorov obviously does not respect ''everyone,''' tweeted TSN's Pierre LeBrun, referencing the defenseman's statement. 'If he did respect everyone, he would have taken part in warm-up and worn the Pride Night jersey. Don't hide behind religion.'

For its part, the NHL released a statement saying players are free to refrain from participation if they choose. 

'Hockey is for Everyone is the umbrella initiative under which the League encourages Clubs to celebrate the diversity that exists in their respective markets, and to work to achieve more welcoming and inclusive environments for all fans,' read the league statement. '

'Clubs decide whom to celebrate, when and how — with League counsel and support. Players are free to decide which initiatives to support, and we continue to encourage their voices and perspectives on social and cultural issues.' 

SB Nation's NHL editor Steph Driver pointed out that the Wells Fargo Center, home to the Philadelphia 76ers and Flyers, was the first to threaten ejection for fans using homophobic slurs. 

'Ivan Provorov was allowed to play in a game for the Philadelphia Flyers - the organization that was the first to say that you will be removed from the arena if you utter a homophobic slur - after refusing to wear a Pride logo for warm ups,' Driver tweeted. 'What an absolute disgrace.'

But many fans lined up to support Provorov. 

'Love his courage and his right to stand for his belief,' tweeted one supporter. 'I can't wait to the day it cycles around to where this is the popular choice versus today you have to agree with others belief. He said it well, he respects everyone, but believes differently.'

Flyers players James van Riemsdyk and Scott Laughton have been staunch supporters of the community and launched a program in support of local LGBTQ+ youth in the greater Philadelphia area.

Laughton and van Riemsdyk met after the game with about 50 people in the LGBTQ+ community. Laughton said overall the Flyers had a 'great, great night that brings a lot of awareness.'

Laughton said there would be more conversations ahead with Provorov, who moved from Russia to the United States as a teenager. He signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract before the 2019 season and won the Barry Ashbee Trophy as the Flyers´ outstanding defenseman in his rookie season, the youngest Philadelphia player to receive the honor.

'I don't hold anything against anyone,' Laughton said. 'It's nothing like that. It was an awesome night and I'm very happy we got a win on a night like this.'

 All-Star forward Kevin Hayes, who had a hat trick in the win over Anaheim, said 'it's not for me to answer' when asked how he felt about Provorov's decision.