{"id":343147,"date":"2023-10-31T21:00:54","date_gmt":"2023-10-31T22:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/?p=343147"},"modified":"2023-10-31T23:01:50","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T23:01:50","slug":"tv-claim-hockey-death-looked-like-murder-slammed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/?p=343147","title":{"rendered":"TV claim hockey death 'looked like murder' slammed"},"content":{"rendered":"

Police are investigating the death of American ice hockey player Adam Johnson<\/a> following calls for a probe into the incident by Johnson's family.<\/p>\n

Johnson, a player on the Nottingham Panthers, had his throat slashed by rival player Matt Petgrave's skate<\/a> in traumatic scenes that unfolded in front of a crowd of about 8000 at Sheffield's Utilita Arena.<\/p>\n

Spectators were asked to leave the match, which was immediately suspended, with the Panthers confirming on Sunday that Johnson had died "following a freak accident at the game." He was 29.<\/p>\n

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South Yorkshire Police (SYP) said they were investigating the matter. The incident has sparked a furious reaction in the US with one TV host claiming Petgrave's actions seemed deliberate. There have also been calls from heartbroken family members for the death to be thoroughly investigated by police.<\/p>\n

US television host Jesse Walters made the claim to a former NHL star on live TV, saying that Petgrave's action "looked like murder".<\/p>\n

In response to the murder claim, former New York Rangers star Sean Avery said: "That's a pretty dangerous word to be throwing around.<\/p>\n

\"Adam<\/p>\n

"I've watched it, it's terrible, it's tough to watch. Did this kid make a move that was very unorthodox? Do I think he was trying to make contact of some sort? Absolutely.<\/p>\n

"Do I think he woke up and said, 'I'm going to murder somebody today?' No."<\/p>\n

Speaking to The Sun, Johnson's grieving aunt described Petgrave's actions during the game as "reckless" but did not think he intended to kill her nephew.<\/p>\n

"We are absolutely calling for a complete investigation," Kari Johnson said.<\/p>\n

"You don't take your leg and kick somebody and cut their throat. I'm sorry.<\/p>\n

"We were watching the game in real-time and we did witness what happened. Horrific is the word to describe.<\/p>\n

"My nephew was six feet tall, and whether you lost your balance or not, to have that leg come up that high and do a kicking motion like he did, that is just unacceptable.<\/p>\n

"I think the actions were unnecessary. It was just unnecessary. Nobody touched him. I've watched that video hundreds of times.<\/p>\n

"That's not a hockey play, that's not a check. I understand that every team has an enforcer, per se, on their team.<\/p>\n

"I'm sure Mr Petgrave probably didn't even think about the consequences could be of that happening, but there comes a time when you have to realise, that's not hockey.<\/p>\n

"And I'm sure he's going through a lot too, but he took our boy. There are a few of us in the family that think it was a totally unnecessary, very, very bad action to take."<\/p>\n

\"Adam<\/p>\n

Investigators released a new statement on Tuesday announcing that officers have now left the scene, but the wider investigation remains ongoing and will take some time "due to the complex nature of this tragic and unprecedented incident."<\/p>\n

"As with all unexpected and sudden deaths, it is standard practice for police to investigate the circumstances fully and feedback our findings to HM Coroner," added the SYP statement, referring to the specialist judges who investigate deaths which are seen to be unnatural, violent, or where the cause isn't known.<\/p>\n

Fans have been leaving flowers outside the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, where the Panthers play, while tributes have been paid around the world.<\/p>\n

Johnson's fianc\u00e9e, Ryan Wolfe, posted on her Instagram story: "My sweet sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always."<\/p>\n

His former team, the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL), also paid tribute to him before and during their game on Monday against the Anaheim Ducks.<\/p>\n

Fans at the PPG Paints Arena were invited to stand and cheer while players from both teams gathered at the centre ice circle before the game in memory of Johnson.<\/p>\n

All players also honoured Johnson by sporting special 'AJ 47' decals on their helmets.<\/p>\n

"He was a great kid, he was a good player," head coach Mike Sullivan said. "Boy, he could really skate. It was a privilege to be his coach. There are no words I have to explain how I feel about the whole circumstance. It's just an incredible tragedy."<\/p>\n

– with CNN\ufeff<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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