THIS is the moment Matt Petgrave was given a standing ovation as he appeared on a screen after his skate slit the throat of Adam Johnson.
The Nottingham Panthers player suffered the fatal injury to his neck during a collision with Sheffield Steelers’ Petgrave on October 28.
Shocking footage posted on social media showed the sportsman being helped up off the ice at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena following the clash with blood staining his shirt.
Johnson, 29, received emergency medical care and was then rushed to hospital but later died from his wounds.
The Steelers returned to the ice on Sunday for their first home game since Johnson, who previously starred in the NHL, passed away.
More than 8,000 fans observed a moment of silence in tribute to him before the Steelers’ 2-1 win against Coventry Blaze.
Players could be seen banging their hockey sticks on the ice at the Utilita Arena Sheffield while the crowd applauded for a minute.
Before the match started, Petgrave’s picture also appeared on the big screen inside the arena, although he did not play.
In videos shared online, fans appeared to applaud the image of the defender on the night.
The collision was described as a “freak accident” in a club statement released by the Panthers, while Petgrave is said to be “absolutely distraught”.
There has been no suggestion of wrongdoing.
South Yorkshire Police has confirmed it is carrying out “a range of enquiries”, including having sought help from “specialised experts”, as part of a probe into Johnson’s death.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s family said they believe Petgrave’s actions may have been “reckless”.
Grieving aunt Kari Johnson, 62, insisted she did not think that opposition player Petgrave, 31, had intended to kill her “amazing” nephew.
But she commented that Petgrave’s actions during the game were “reckless”.
Speaking from her home in Kelly Lake, Minnesota, Kari said: “It was very reckless. I just want them to get it right. We are looking for justice for Adam.”
