Russian amateur hockey players face hooliganism charges after brawl with FSB team

A criminal case for hooliganism has been opened in the Russian city of Birobidzhan against players of the amateur hockey team Tafgai. It stems from a game last spring against a team of the regional branch of the Federal Security Service (FSB), during which a major brawl broke out on the ice. The report comes from Nastoyashchee Vremya, citing Sibir.Realii.

From penalty minutes to criminal prosecution

According to Baza, players are usually punished for such incidents with penalty minutes during the game. This time the consequences were harsher: after the match, five Tafgai players were jailed for five days and fined. The tournament organizers were also fined.

In June the case took a new turn. It was announced that a criminal case had been opened against the players under an article on hooliganism committed by a group of people acting on prior agreement to resist a public official. Three of the players were ordered to sign travel restrictions.

Detentions and possible sentence

On 26 September, police detained two more players. Investigators are demanding their arrest, arguing that the men hold foreign passports and may try to flee justice.

If the charges are proven, the amateur players could face up to seven years in prison.