Vita Hästen Player Sentenced for Assaulting Referee During Match

In a significant legal outcome linked to the safety of sports officials, Casper Gillberg, a 24-year-old former player for Vita Hästen, has been convicted of assault after tackling a referee during a Division 3 ice hockey match. The incident occurred in November 2023 against Motala AIF, leading to the referee suffering a broken arm. Initially, Gillberg believed the act was an accident but shifted his perspective after reviewing video footage of the event, which prompted the referee to file a police report against him.

On September 4, 2025, Gillberg was sentenced to a conditional sentence of probation, 50 hours of community service, and ordered to pay damages of 16,953 kronor to the injured referee. He expressed regret and shame about his actions, stating, "I feel ashamed and remorseful for finding myself in this situation with the referee." Additionally, he received an 18-month ban from all hockey activities, a suspension that was later extended until May 18, 2025, after an appeal by David Bergman, the chief referee of the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation.

Bergman emphasized the importance of protecting referees, asserting that incidents resulting in physical or psychological harm should be reported. The ruling has been hailed as a potential step forward in enhancing referee safety within Swedish ice hockey, which has faced concerns about aggression in the sport. Despite the conviction and suspension, Gillberg has indicated a desire to return to the ice with Valdemarsviks IF following his ban, making clear his intention to move on from the incident.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of referees in sports, reinforcing the need for strict penalties for assaults against officials. The referee involved has opted not to speak publicly on the matter, while efforts to connect with Gillberg and his legal representation remain ongoing.