Shocking: Pro Hockey Player Nicholas Pezzetta Handed Major Suspension for Attacking & Injuring Referee

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Maverick Mitchell
November 3, 2024 (7:11 PM)

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A shocking scene took place as 20-year-old Italian pro hockey Player, Nicholas Pezzetta was handed a 13-month suspension by the Italian Ice Sports Federation (FISG) after attacking and injuring an official.

The incident took place as Pezzetta, captain and defenseman for the Brixen/Bressanone HC Falcons, took a run at the referee off a faceoff, and the decsion to suspend him was pretty clear after the video was released to the public.

The FISG's decision came after Pezzetta allegedly hit a referee in the leg with his stick after a faceoff which is an act that FISG claims was done with intent to injure.

The suspension fit the crime, but many believe it should have resulted in an expulsion from the league, as there is a zero tolerance policy for players laying any amount of physical force on referees. He was kicked out of the game and handed a 20 minute major penalty, and following the game, they decided to hand him a 13-month suspension.

"The Italian Ice Sports Federation (FISG) has issued a 13-month ‼️ suspension to HC Falcons Brixen/Bressanone captain 🇮🇹Nicholas Pezzetta for hitting a referee with his stick.

Pezzetta reportedly «approached [the referee] with the intention of injuring him and hit him from behind at calf height with his stick.» The referee fell to the ground «in pain» and Pezzetta was handed a 20-minute penalty.

The 20-year-old defender has scored 3 (0+3) points in 9 games in the Italian Hockey League this season."

Watch Incident Below

There has been no update if the Pezzetta will appeal the suspension, but by the looks of the video, he has no shot at reversing it.