OSTRAVA – Head referees Oldřich Hejduk and Jiří Ondráček checked all three goals, including the winning one in the second semi-final play-off game of the Czech Extraliga between the Vítkovice and Hradec Králové hockey players, and recognized them all.
The confirmation of Patrik Miškář’s goal in the 62nd minute made the home team very angry, because the Hradec Hradec attacker directed the puck behind Aleš Stezka’s back with his skate. According to the referees, he did not kick the puck intentionally.
The owner of the Ostrava club and the chairman of the Association of Professional Ice Hockey Clubs, Aleš Pavlík, loudly criticized the referees in the bowels of the Ostravar Arena after the match and even accused them of being corrupt. Officially, the representatives of Vítkovice did not want to comment on the disputed situations, because they would be fined for commenting on the performance of the referees on the day of the match.
“I won’t say anything about it, I don’t want to answer it. I don’t want to lose money,” said home team captain Dominik Lakatoš, who took care of Vítkovice’s first goal. “I’m frustrated with the match. What? No comment,” said coach Miloš Holan.
Unacceptable
Two hours after the end of the match, the Vítkovice club published a statement on its website in which it criticized the performance of all the referees, disagreed with the recognition of Hradec Králové’s two goals and called the match influenced.
“The club expresses strong public disapproval of the manner in which the referees Oldřich Hejduk, Jiří Ondráček, Jiří Svoboda and Daniel Hynek conducted the second match,” said the representatives of Vítkovice, saying that they do not question the quality of the opponent.
According to Ostravanov, the second Hradec goal scored by Graeme McCormack was preceded by Oliver Okuliar’s save on goalkeeper Aleš Stezko. In their opinion, Patrik Miškář’s decisive goal was scored after his stick came in contact with Stezkova’s catcher, and they believe that the puck was also kicked with his skate.
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Source: Profimedia
“Both situations were investigated by the referees for a long time through video analysis and both situations were judged as valid goals, which is absolutely unacceptable. These decisions affected the outcome of the second match and may have a key role in the overall course of the semi-final series.” club officials said. However, they will not submit a petition to the referees’ commission, because they consider it unnecessary.
The guests understood Vítkovic’s emotions. “I’m not surprised they’re cursing, both games were the way they were. Really a battle. Losing twice in overtime would also give me shit… I understand them,” said Mountfield captain Radek Smoleňák. “On the other hand, the more we see their frustration, the more we are happy,” pointed out the Hradec attacker.
- Author: © List
- Source: CTK
