Police Now Investigating After Hockey Player Injures Referee with Big Hit

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TJ Tucker
December 19, 2023 (2:33 PM)

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A player who received a lengthy suspension for hitting a referee during a hockey game in Sweden is now facing more potential trouble from the incident. According to reports, the hit has been reported to police, and a preliminary investigation is underway into Casper Gillberg's actions.

The hit took place during a game on November 19th. Gillberg initially said it was an accident and that the referee had been getting in the way the entire game. As you can see by the video, the hit appears to be intentional from start to finish. Gillberg apologized the next day, but was suspended from playing hockey until December 31st of 2024, a suspension lasting over a year. The referee was taken to hospital where he was treated for a broken arm.

Expressen.se is reporting that the injured referee himself is the one who filed a report with police.

"From the beginning, the plaintiff thought it was a pure accident. But after seeing clips from the incident, he chose to report it to the police because he didn't think it looked like an accident." - Preliminary investigation leader Marcus Hoppe at the Motala Police

According to police, if charges are laid, it would be classified as assault.

"We have access to the video material from the match. We will interview the claimant to get a better picture of the incident. Then we have to make an assessment as to whether we should proceed with the case and summon the suspect for questioning."

Gillberg, a 22-year-old defenceman, was playing for Vita Hasten at the time, a team in HockeyTrean, the fifth tier of the Swedish ice hockey system.

Source: Expressen