The SHL disciplinary committee cleared Luleå forward Brendan Shinnimin of any wrongdoing but fined Skellefteå coach Andreas Falk 15,000 kronor following a confrontation in the player tunnel during Saturday's game. The incident stemmed from a verbal exchange that escalated into physical contact after the first period. Shinnimin's punch was deemed self-defense after Falk pushed him into a media wall.
The confrontation occurred during the first intermission of Luleå's game against Skellefteå on Saturday. According to reports, Falk approached Shinnimin from behind in the tunnel, verbally confronting him about an earlier slashing incident where Shinnimin was accused of diving. Shinnimin stated that Falk called him "embarrassing," "weak," and "diver" before grabbing his arm and pushing him into a media wall with both hands.
Shinnimin responded with a punch to Falk's chest, captured on video, before a security guard intervened. Falk claimed Shinnimin blocked his path and initiated physical contact, but the committee found his actions unprovoked and in violation of Riksidrottsförbundets regulations on unsportsmanlike conduct.
Luleå submitted statements from players Joel Lassinantti and Pontus Själin supporting Shinnimin, noting Falk chose an unusual route to the locker rooms, typically separated for home and away teams. The committee ruled the punch occurred after clear provocation, warranting no penalty for Shinnimin.
Falk received a 15,000 SEK fine. Luleå sport chief Thomas Fröberg called the incident unprecedented, expressing hope Shinnimin would be cleared. Skellefteå's Niclas Lundkvist downplayed it as a "skitsak" in a heated match.
The ruling preserves Shinnimin's eligibility while highlighting tensions in the heated rivalry. Both teams emphasized learning from the event ahead of future matchups.
