An elite ice hockey player was ejected from a league match in Kirkcaldy after apparently punching a fan.
Manchester Storm star Eric Neilson was thrown out of Saturday night’s game after the altercation involving a Fife Flyers supporter sitting behind the away bench.
The fan was removed from the rink by security amid accusations the encounter was sparked by a drink being thrown at the player.
The astonishing incident in front of a 2,000-strong crowd overshadowed a much-needed victory for Flyers at Fife Ice Arena.
Neilson now faces a one-game suspension.
Storm coach Omar Pacha claimed the player, who is recovering from eye surgery, had been reacting to having beer thrown in his face.
He said he and his players had been abused all night and added: “We came very close to pulling our players.
“It was getting atrocious.”
Flyers coach Todd Dutiaume said the building had become “pretty hostile” afterwards and he praised the referee’s handling of the situation.
“It’s very difficult with one man standing on the ice by himself having to calm that situation down,” he said.
“The building, it’s a very unique situation where we have players, coaches and the crowd being able to interact quite closely.
“That’s a feature I would not want to lose, being sheltered by glass.”
Dutiaume said players and fans had a responsibility and added: “If you’re going to sit behind the bench you’re going to have to expect some banter from the team.”
He added: “It’s not something we’ve ever really seen before. This escalated quite quickly.
“You can see how quickly it can tip over.”
The match was stopped for some time after the incident.
The altercation has been described by one fan as “a crazy Saturday night in Kirkcaldy”.
Another added: “I have to say I’m embarrassed to be a Fife Flyers fan as I stand behind the away team and saw the whole thing.”
Flyers went on to win the match 4-3.
