PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Modo were really pissed off after the loss against Djurgården.
Now also the sporting director Henrik Gradin steps out with anger.
– I understand Björklöven’s fans when you saw what the Löven players were suspended for against Djurgården, he says to the local newspaper ÖA.
On Wednesday evening, Modo had the opportunity to secure promotion to the SHL. At home in front of a packed stand, the whole of Örnsköldsvik prepared for a big celebration.
Modo lost
But instead Djurgården went up and ruined the party by winning 6-4 and taking the last lifeline in the Allsvenskan final series. Much has already been said about the match, which was quite emotionally charged, and everyone is talking about the situation in Djurgården Edvin Hammarlund crosschecked Modos Oscar Pettersson in the face.
The article continues after the picture.
Everyone at Modo screamed for a match penalty, but Hammarlund managed to get away with just a two-minute suspension. It has aroused really strong reactions after the final whistle.
READ MORE: Peter Forsberg’s rage after Modo’s loss – directs strong criticism at the judges: “It’s sick”
Modo’s fury
Hammarlund also managed to get by without a report to the disciplinary committee and that has caused great anger in the Modo camp. The referees have really been the focus of this final series ever since the first game where Djurgården went out and were really critical of the refereeing.
The article continues after the picture.
Modo’s sports director is now stepping down Henrik Gradin into the debate and he really hopes that the judges are not influenced by Djurgården’s performance.
– I don’t know, but after yesterday you start thinking about how eight eyes can’t see that it’s a cross-checking. A five-minute player can be very decisive in such a situation of the match, says Gradin to the newspaper Örnsköldsviks Allehanda.
– You don’t want to believe that it affects, but considering how it looks, you start to think. Today, I have a great deal of understanding for Björklöven’s fans and Björklöven’s fury when you see what their players were suspended for and what is happening here.
READ MORE: Modo in secret meeting last night – goes on a furious attack after the heavy loss in the final: “Can’t for the life of me understand…”
“Beginning to think”
Modo’s sporting director understands that the bar is raised in a final series, but also worries about the players’ safety. Because now he is starting to see similarities with the infected semi-final series between Björklöven and Djurgården which was affected by many disputed verdicts.
– But as I said, I understand Björklöven’s fans when you saw what the Löven players were suspended for against Djurgården versus what is released here. Then you start to think about what controls and influences, says Gradin to the local newspaper.
Already on Friday evening, the sixth final match between Modo and Djurgården will be played. Then Modo has a new chance to secure a place in the SHL for next season or if Djurgården manages to equalize the final series and force a “Game 7”.
What do you think of Modo’s criticism? Share the article and have your say!