Story Summary
A disciplinary senate has fined HC Košice €500 after finding that the club failed to prevent repeated, loud vulgar chants by its supporters during match number 145 on 23 September 2026. The panel reached its decision on the basis of the official match report and the federation delegate’s report, concluding that the club breached Article 76(1)(a) of the special part of the disciplinary rules. The panel described the language used by spectators as severe collective vulgarities, audible up to roughly seventy metres, and recorded multiple timed chants that continued after the final whistle as players left the ice.
Key Facts
- The sanction was imposed following the official match report and the federation delegate’s report under Article 93(3)(b) of the procedural part of the SZĽH Disciplinary Code.
- The incident related to the match with serial number 145, played on 23 September 2026.
- The senate found HC Košice liable for breaching Article 76(1)(a) of the special part (II. head) of the disciplinary rules.
- Spectators’ vulgar chants were described as audible up to approximately seventy metres and occurred in several phases during the game.
- Between the 27th and 28th minutes, the stands chanted seven times: “Je**ť Slovan, belasé ku**y.”
- At 35:20, spectators shouted seven times, “Sk****ný Slovan”, and at 35:23 they chanted five times, “Rozhodcovská banda sk****ná.”
- After the final whistle, while both teams remained on the ice, fans shouted seven times: “Je**ť Slovan Bratislava, hej, hej, hej.”
- On the players’ exit, a fourfold chant targeted a specific player: “Marcinko je ku**a belasá.”
- The senate described the €500 fine as absolutely appropriate and a fair sanction corresponding to the extent of the non-sporting behaviour.
IHM Discussion
The disciplinary body relied on the official match record and the delegate’s report in finding persistent, organised abusive chanting at distinct points of the game. The ruling emphasised both scale and repetition: the chants were clearly audible up to roughly seventy metres and recurred at several timestamped moments, including after the final whistle.
In applying Article 76(1)(a), the senate found that HC Košice had failed to prevent spectator conduct classified as non-sporting behaviour. The €500 fine was described by the senate as appropriate and fair in light of the extent of the conduct.
Why It Matters
The decision underlines that clubs can be held accountable when repeated abusive chanting is documented at their matches. Although the financial penalty is limited, the ruling records the scale, repetition and targets of the chants, including the visiting team, officials and a named player.
Mini Q&A
Who was sanctioned?
HC Košice s.r.o. was sanctioned by a disciplinary senate for failing to prevent spectator misconduct.
What behaviour led to the fine?
Repeated loud vulgar chants directed at the visiting team, match officials and a named player. They were audible up to approximately seventy metres and occurred at several points during and after the match.
When did the match take place?
The match with serial number 145 took place on 23 September 2026.
Which disciplinary rules were cited?
The decision referenced Article 93(3)(b) of the procedural part of the SZĽH Disciplinary Code and found a breach of Article 76(1)(a) of the special part of the disciplinary rules.
How much was the fine?
The senate imposed a fine of €500 and described it as absolutely appropriate and fair given the scope of the conduct.