Czech Team Demands Removal of Russian Flag During Olympic Match Against US

Incident at Women's Hockey Match

According to Главком: During the women's Olympic hockey tournament match between the Czech Republic and the United States on February 5, 2026, a Russian flag was displayed in the spectator stands. The incident occurred in the game's third period when the flag was placed near the Czech team's bench. This provoked an immediate reaction from the Czech delegation, with third goaltender Julia Pejsova being among the first to spot the prohibited symbol.

Czech Team's Response

Czech team General Manager, Tereza Sadilova, confirmed that her staff reacted at once by contacting the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to demand the flag's removal. She stated the team's view of the symbol was unequivocally negative:

“We did not like it at all. We called the IIHF and asked for it to be taken down. They reacted quickly.”

Tereza Sadilova

Following the Czech team's complaint, a tournament manager removed the flag. However, a man in a black jacket then snatched it from the manager and stuffed it into his pocket. The display of Russian symbolism at the Olympic Games is banned under IOC sanctions, which apply to all competition venues, the media center, and the Olympic Village. The incident unfolded in the presence of notable spectators, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The match concluded with a 5:1 victory for the United States. Sadilova expressed her frustration with the situation, remarking:

“It was an unnecessary provocation. But I was very glad that the tournament manager, even though she is a petite blonde, reacted, went over there, and tore it down.”

Tereza Sadilova

This event highlights the tense atmosphere surrounding international sports involving Russia under current sanctions. It underscores the critical importance of adhering to the rules and norms established by the International Olympic Committee, as sporting arenas can become focal points for political expression amidst global conflicts.