Canadian professional ice hockey player Jonathan Bernier must regret not reading up on his history after this embarrassing interview.

Bernier’s team Toronto Raptors held an event to pay tribute to the late Nelson Mandela on the anniversary of his death last week and it was at this event that the player made the biggest blunder of his life.

During red carpet interviews Bernier mistakenly praised Nelson Mandela for his accomplishments "on and off the ice".

Throughout the video it is obvious that the player has no clue what the event is about let alone the man being honoured.

Question: Obviously Nelson Mandela, one of the most significant historical figures of the twentieth century. What knowledge or awareness did you have of him growing up, or when did you learn of him?

Bernier: Well obviously growing up, he's one of the most known athletes in the world. A lot of impact in any kind of sport that he did, and even playing hockey, everyone knows him, right? From being the type of person that he was off the ice and on the ice. It's unfortunate that he passed a year ago, but, he changed a lot while he was with us, and he's a tremendous guy.

As expected the video went viral and the player became the brunt of many jokes.

“I’m embarrassed,” Bernier told CBC Sports when asked about the incident. “I didn’t mean to offend him, his legacy. I got flustered with the red carpet and I was nervous. I think everyone makes mistakes and that was me that night.”

We hope he went and picked up a book after this.

Watch the video below: