Florida Panthers forward Krys Barch has been suspended one game by the National Hockey League for using "inappropriate language" during a New Year's Eve game against the Montreal Canadiens, George Richards of the Miami Herald reports.
Krys Barch Suspended 1 Game By NHL For ‘Inappropriate Comment’
Florida Panthers forward Krys Barch has been suspended one game for using “inappropriate language” during last Saturday night’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.
Following the first period of the Panthers' 3-2 win, NHL linesman Darren Gibbs overheard Barch yell something in the direction of Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban, who had been involved in a slashing and shoving match with Panthers defenseman Erik Gudbranson. Subban is black and Gibbs heard a racial slur from Barch, who was assessed a 10-minute match penalty and was ejected from the game.
Subban did not hear Barch’s comments -- Richards reports the Barch asked Subban if he “slipped on a banana peel” when he fell to the ice after being punched by Gudbranson -- as he skated off the ice.
”Personally, I didn’t hear anything,’’ Subban said after Saturday night’s game. “I don’t even know what happened, really. A couple of guys on the ice told me that something was said. I don’t know what was said, I didn’t hear it. As far as I’m concerned it’s really out of my hands, so I don’t really know too much about it.”
Barch admitted that his comments were not friendly, but denied that there were any racial overtones or intent.
“I stated my case; I know myself and what I said. It may have been inappropriate but it was nowhere near a racial slur nor that intent,” Barch said of the incident. “The things I said were pretty explicit and maybe not for kids’ ears, so that’s why I can’t repeat it. My grandma wouldn’t want to hear it, let’s put it that way.”
Barch will sit out Thursday night's game against the New York Rangers.
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