Expert in Adam Johnson case explains why Matt Petgrave was arrested

This just in, South Yorkshire Police have arrested an unnamed man, presumed to be Sheffield Steelers forward Matt Petgrave, on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the death of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson last month.

From the BBC:

A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson, whose neck was cut during a match.

The Nottingham Panthers player was injured by a skate in a match against Sheffield Steelers on 28 October.

The 29-year-old was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of a fatal neck injury, South Yorkshire Police said.

The force said detectives arrested the suspect on Tuesday, adding that he remained in custody.

Days after the tragic accident, and yes I call it an accident because to me it’s 100% crystal clear that what happened WAS an accident, South Yorkshire Police made an announcement that they would be investigating Johnson’s death. Frankly, that didn’t surprise me because I would expect an investigation in any death, accidental or otherwise. In fact, criminologist Dr. Victoria Silverwood has confirmed as much on social media and actually laid out the reasons specifically why Petgrave has been arrested.

Check out this very informative Twitter thread from Dr. Silverwood:

I can only hope that Petgrave’s name is cleared fully because to me this is a shameful injustice being perpetrated by an ignorant police force. If you think that what Petgrave did was intentional then it’s clear to me that you’ve never laced up a pair of skates in your life. If you think this guy intentionally kicked his opponent in the face then I don’t know what to tell you. Go back to high school and take a physics class without doodling on your textbook.

Det Ch Supt Becs Horsfall, from South Yorkshire Police, said: “We have been carrying out extensive inquiries to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances.”

“We have been speaking to highly specialised experts in their field to assist in our inquiries and continue to work closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our ongoing investigation.

“Adam’s death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world.”