Nazem Kadri calls out Ukrainian league for “vulgar and unacceptable” suspension!

Earlier this morning, it was revealed that Andriy Denyskin has been suspended three games + 10 games ( however, he can come back after 3 suspended games if he pays a fine of ₴50 000, which equals around 1883 US$.). The decision was made by the Disciplinary Committee of the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine. 

The incident, for those unaware, occurred back on September 26th during a game between HC Donbass, whom Jalen Smereck plays for, and HC Kremenchuk in the Ukrainian Hockey League. Between whistles, Smereck and Andriy Denyskin appeared to share words when Denyskin went way, way, waaaay over the line by miming peeling a banana and eating it. The intent, I suppose, was to compare the dark skinned Smereck to an ape, which is unacceptable. 

This prompted Smereck, a player who spent time in the Arizona Coyotes organization to take a personal leave of absence from his team and from professional hockey in general as he awaited Denyskin to be punished. 

“I will not play another game in the [Ukrainian Hockey League] until Andrey Denyskin is suspended and removed from the league. Thank you.”

We all know the verdict isn’t enough. 

And Colorado Avalanche”s Nazem Kadri is furious about it and voiced his anger in a very animated post on social media. 

“What a fumble by the Ukrainian league to allow a player to buy his games back after a vulgar and unacceptable action. Pathetic mishandle by who ever is in charge. Obviously they tolerate this kind of behaviour, it’s a shame.”

You have to agree with Kadri: this is unacceptable. Moments later, Florida Panthers' Anthony Duclair also voiced his disgust with the suspension handed to Denyskin. 

"If you don’t see a problem here, you’re a part of it. This is embarrassing. Basically we’re telling kids if you make a racist gesture you’ll be back playing in a couple weeks… it’s 2021. Time to add a ban rule???"

So disappointing … can’t imagine how Smereck will react to this ridiculous suspension. You have to assume that the IIHF will get involved here!