Sweden's men's curling team lost 6–8 to Canada in the Olympics in Cortina, in a match marked by cheating allegations and harsh words. The Swedes believed the Canadians illegally touched the stones, leading to on-ice confrontations. Tensions escalated with profanities from Canadian player Marc Kennedy.
In Olympic curling in Cortina, Sweden's Team Edin, led by skipper Niklas Edin and vice Oskar Eriksson, faced Canada in a heated encounter. The match ended 6–8 in Canada's favor, marking Sweden's third straight loss after defeats to Italy and Great Britain.
Controversy erupted early. In the second end, the Swedes believed Canada's Ben Hebert touched the stone's granite with his broom, which is not allowed. The Swedes questioned the referee, but the Canadians countered that Oskar Eriksson had done something similar earlier in the match.
"It is unfortunate that it turns out this way. But we have tried to stop touching the stone. Touching any part other than the handle," Eriksson told SVT.
Tensions worsened before the final end. Eriksson confronted Canada's Marc Kennedy about several Canadians touching stones after release. Kennedy responded repeatedly: "Fuck off".
Post-match, the exchange continued. Canada's Ben Hebert called Eriksson "an idiot". Niklas Edin stood by the accusations, comparing the cheating to throwing a bowling ball in the gutter, picking it up, and then scoring a strike.
"It has been going on for so many years. They know they are doing it. The referees see it happening but do nothing about it," Edin told SVT. He mentioned similar incidents at the World Championships and in previous years.
It remains unclear if the clash will lead to post-match penalties. For Team Edin, the reigning Olympic champions, wins in upcoming round-robin games are needed to keep medal hopes alive. The next match is against China on Saturday at 14:05.
