Mass brawl in Latvian hockey provoked by ethnic insults: details

According to glavcom.ua: Players and coaches of the 'Priedaine' and 'Kekava Klappers' clubs staged a mass brawl during a match in the Latvian Amateur Hockey League. According to information from 'Glavcom' and Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs, the conflict arose due to rule violations during the game that led to a large-scale brawl.

'We are playing hockey, it is an emotional sport,' said 'Priedaine' player Denis Benke.

Kekava Klappers coach Mattis Ribkinskis pointed to the rudeness of the opponents and the situation where he feels that his team is being discriminated against because of their established language and origin.

'I took off my helmet and wanted to go to the penalty bench, but from their side, it was constantly heard that we are Russians, Russian occupiers, so go back. Yes, I am Russian, and no one can forbid me to speak Russian on the ice rink outside working hours,' said Benke.

After the incident in the Latvian Hockey League for Enthusiasts (EHL), measures were taken and two coaches along with other players were disqualified for the rest of the season, while several other hockey players received suspensions for a few matches.

Overall, the conflict on the ice showed that tension in the sporting environment can lead to dangerous and unsportsmanlike situations, so it is important to avoid such incidents and resolve misunderstandings in a civilized manner and without violence.