Finnish referee legend calls controversial ice hockey worlds hit a “clear five-minute penalty”

A controversial hit during Thursday’s ice hockey world championship quarterfinal between Switzerland and Sweden has drawn sharp criticism from Finnish referee legend Antti Boman, who called the unpenalized play a “clear five-minute major.”

Switzerland defeated Sweden 3–1 in a physically intense game, but the match has since sparked debate—particularly in Sweden—over officiating decisions. The incident in question saw Swiss forward Timo Meier collide with Swedish forward Oskar Sundqvist, who suffered a serious knee injury. Many observers, including Boman, argued the hit warranted a game misconduct for kneeing.

“Absolutely a five-minute penalty. No question,” Boman told Yle, adding that the play should have been reviewed. “From the referees’ angle, it may have looked like just a cross-check, but the video would have shown the kneeing clearly.”

Boman, who retired last season after a long career as a top-tier referee, acknowledged the challenges officials face in high-pressure games. The match was officiated by Finns Riku Brander and Mikko Kaukokari, who opted not to use video review—a decision Boman called pivotal.

“The referees had decided not to go to video, and that’s why it turned out this way,” he said.

The game’s intensity, fueled by a raucous home crowd and the knockout-stage stakes, added pressure on the officials. Boman emphasized that referees must set clear boundaries while allowing physical play to continue within reasonable limits.

Swiss defenseman Dean Kukan was ejected early in the game for a cross-check, but Boman dismissed suggestions that this influenced later calls. “That’s reading too much into it,” he said.

Sundqvist’s injury and the non-call have drawn outrage in Sweden, with local analysts criticizing the Finnish officiating crew. The incident adds to the scrutiny on referees as the tournament progresses.