Hockey player hit with criminal charges after breaking referee's arm

PUBLICATION

Axel Williams
September 19, 2024 (1:35 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Casper Gillberg made headlines for all of the wrong reasons back in November of last year after he bodychecked a referee into the boards for no reason, and broke the official's arm.

Subsequently, Gillberg was suspended for the rest of 2023 and even 2024. Now, his suspension is going to be extended to May 2025. Overall, things are not good for the Swedish hockey star, and it is easy to see why. However, it's getting a whole lot worse for him as he is now being hit with criminal charges for his actions.

As per Expressen,se, he has been charged with assault. Meanwhile, prosecutors hope to secure a fine of $3000 USD. While this case is looking bad for Gillberg, he proclaims that it was all in self-defense.

"We get down to the corner and I have in my head that I'm going to tackle this player and win the puck so we can attack instead. But instead he turns around, and as I continue down towards the crease I see the referee approaching and out of pure instinct or wanting to protect myself, I put my hands up and push off in pure self-defense or instinct."

Only time will tell whether or not Gillberg is convicted. Regardless, his hockey career is in shambles right now, and he has himself to blame. Stay tuned to Hockey Unplugged for the latest news and updates from around the hockey world.