Teen Ice Hockey Player Banned After Punching Thai Referee

A teenage Chinese ice hockey player was banned from the rest of a Bangkok tournament after allegedly punching a Thai referee. The incident happened during the Bangkok Fly Hockey Tournament 2026 after the 14-year-old player objected to a call made near the end of a match. Witnesses said the player made physical contact with referee Teerasak Rattanachot before being removed from the game. While leaving the rink area, he allegedly struck the referee in the face, causing minor injuries that did not require hospitalisation. No legal action has been reported, but the player and his team were barred from the remaining matches and later left Thailand.