Player clocks official at World Championships and has instant regret

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TJ Tucker
May 13, 2024 (9:01)

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Rodrigo Abols, who is playing for Latvia at the IIHF World Championship, was shocked after he realized he had hit an official in the face, and now fears punishment

While the NHL continues the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, many players from teams that didn't make the postseason, or who were eliminated early are currently taking part in the 2024 IIHF World Championship in the Czech Republic. An incident during a game between Latvia and Poland today could mean one of those players will receive punishment for the Federation.

At one point in the game, which Poland won in overtime 5-4, things were getting heated and a scrum had broken out. Latvia's Rodrigo Abols was getting up off the ice when he decided to give one of his opponents a quick jab to the face. Abols then quickly realized that it wasn't an opponent that he had hit, it was a linesman. He started apologizing right away.

Abols is a very lucky guy. He said his apology seemed to be accepted as there was no call on the play. He is, however, worried about punishment from the IIHF.

"I thought the Pole was holding onto my shirt. I tried to get free. Unfortunately, there was the official. I apologised a thousand times, and even after the match."

"I hope they can see that was not my intention."

I can't help but think that had this happened in the NHL, it would have been called regardless of how many times the player apologized. I wouldn't be at all surprised with supplemental discipline from the league, either. Perhaps the international officials are a bit more understanding.

Source: IS.fi
The Ice Hockey World Cup player punched the referee in the face - this is how he explained his action