Oliver Lauridsen has been suspended for eight games by the Finnish Liiga's disciplinary committee after a violent hit in a match between TPS and Ässät in Turku. The incident occurred during a game, where Lauridsen, a 36-year-old Danish defenseman playing for TPS Turku, reportedly hit Petteri Riihinen with significant force, targeting the head. According to reports, Riihinen fell to the ice and appeared unconscious immediately after the hit, which resulted in a match penalty.
The disciplinary committee stated that the tackle hit Riihinen's head "with very great force" and that it could have been avoided. Lauridsen's contract with TPS is expiring, and it remains uncertain if he will continue in the league next season. Riihinen has not played any matches since the incident, and his condition is unclear.
The tackle hit Riihinen's head 'with very great force' and that it could have been avoided.
The suspension means Lauridsen may miss the rest of the season for TPS, which has one match left in the regular season and is not in playoff contention; if TPS does not play eight more games this season, he will serve the suspension at the start of the next season. The event has reportedly drawn political attention, with Otto Meri of the Samlingspartiet commenting on social media that it could be classified as aggravated assault under criminal law, potentially warranting a prison sentence, though no legal action has been confirmed.
It could be classified as aggravated assault under criminal law, potentially warranting a prison sentence.