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Olympics: Hockey game marred by 'unacceptable' player count blunder
20 Feb
Summary
- A Czech Republic goal was allowed despite having too many players on the ice.
- Officials and the opposing Canadian team failed to notice the rule violation.
- The Czech coach criticized officiating, claiming they played against six players.
A significant officiating error has cast a shadow over the Winter Olympics men's ice hockey tournament. During a quarterfinal match between the Czech Republic and Canada, the Czech team scored a go-ahead goal despite having more than the allowed six players on the ice. This 'unacceptable' mistake went unnoticed by both the Canadian bench and the game officials.
The incident, which occurred with less than eight minutes remaining in regulation and the score tied, was later highlighted on social media. Reports indicate that as many as eight Czech players were on the ice during the sequence leading to the goal.
Following the match, which Canada won 4-3 in overtime, Czechia's head coach criticized the officiating. He expressed that the team felt disadvantaged and seemed to be playing against an extra player, though he acknowledged the need to avoid making excuses.
Canada is set to advance to a semi-final match against Finland, while the United States will face Slovakia in the other semi-final.
