Icelandic Ice Hockey Association faces scrutiny over racism allegations after game violence

The Icelandic Ice Hockey Association (ÍHÍ) is unable to confirm whether racist remarks were made by a player during a match, for which the player received a one-game suspension. Following the game between Skautafélag Akureyrar and SR, a physical assault was reported to the police.

Concerns have arisen within the skating community regarding the association’s response to allegations of racism, with some players indicating they might not participate in activities with the association while racial prejudice persists in the sport.

Viðar Garðarsson, CEO of ÍHÍ, stated that proving the comments were racist is challenging, even though the association has previously addressed such issues decisively. “The dispute concerns whether the comments were racist or not, and unfortunately, there has been no evidence to substantiate that,” he remarked. However, it was established that inappropriate comments were made by the individual in question, without conclusively labeling them as racist.

The individual targeted by these comments was assaulted after the game, an incident that is being treated seriously and has been reported to law enforcement. “There were two individuals attacking one person, along with threats of violence,” explained Viðar, noting many witnesses were present, including a referee assigned to oversee the match.

The association has reiterated its condemnation of violence in all forms—physical or psychological—as well as any language aimed against gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or skin color.

ÍHÍ’s board expressed sorrow over the incident after the weekend’s match and emphasized their opposition to any form of violence or discriminatory language.