Canucks Riot Kiss Photo Sparks Debate

Friday, 17 June 2011 | by Pat's Picks

Is it or isn’t it? The New York Post prints a photo that’s sparked a lively debate about its authenticity. Many have questioned whether this in-the-street-kiss photo, taken during the Vancouver riots, which erupted after the Canucks’ Stanley Cup loss on Wednesday, was staged.

The CBC was able to identify the couple after the image was splashed on screens around the world. Apparently, the man is an Australian bartender, the woman, his Canadian girlfriend. According to people close to the couple, the pair attending the hockey final and then were swept up in the violence that erupted afterwards. The woman was allegedly knocked down by riot police in the chaos. A photographer happened by as the man bent down to comfort his girlfriend in the street.

The CBC managed to get the man’s father on the phone for an interview. Click image below to view: