The curling rivalry between Canada and Sweden has reignited, following controversial remarks from Swedish curler Oskar Eriksson, who has accused Canadian vice Marc Kennedy of cheating during their Olympic match in February. This ongoing saga, dubbed “fingergate,” has captivated curling enthusiasts and sparked heated discussions about ethics in the sport.
The Origins of the Controversy
The controversy stems from a match during the men’s curling round robin at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where Team Canada, skipped by Brad Jacobs, faced off against Sweden’s Niklas Edin on February 13. During this intense encounter, Eriksson accused Kennedy of “double-touching” a stone, a claim that suggests a player redirected the path of a rock after initially releasing it.
The accusation heightened tensions, leading to an emotional response from Kennedy, who was caught on live broadcast expressing frustration at Eriksson’s claim. “I have a ton of respect for Oskar Eriksson. He’s one of the best players to ever play, and I just told him that I would never do that to you. I would never accuse you of cheating,” Kennedy stated after the game, emphasising his long-standing reputation in the sport.
Kennedy’s outburst became a sensation online, with footage of the altercation generating memes and viral content across social media platforms.
Understanding the Rules of Double-Touching
In curling, precise guidelines dictate the handling of stones, especially regarding the hog line. Players must release the stone fully before crossing this line, failing which could lead to penalties. If a player touches a stone while it is in motion before the far hog line, the opposing team has the right to place it where they believe it would have stopped.
Interestingly, the World Curling Federation clarified that a double touch before the hog line does not constitute a violation. Observers noted no infractions during the match, and the umpires reported no concerns. Despite this, the incident left a shadow over Team Canada, who ultimately won the match 8-6, later clinching gold against Great Britain.
The Viral Response and Reignition of the Feud
The fallout from the February match continued to bubble, particularly after a recent segment aired by the Swedish national broadcaster, Sveriges Television AB, featuring Eriksson. In the clip, Eriksson demonstrated how a player could unintentionally alter a stone’s trajectory and claimed that Kennedy had committed two violations. “Evil unfortunately wins sometimes,” he remarked, suggesting that Canadian players had not upheld the integrity expected in curling.
Jacobs responded with frustration, dismissing Eriksson’s claims as absurd and expressing disappointment that the controversy was still a topic of discussion. “I think it’s just ridiculous that this is still going on,” he remarked, reflecting the sentiment of many within the Canadian curling community.
Reactions from Canadian Curling Community
Responses from the Canadian curling team have varied, with Jacobs voicing his irritation at Eriksson’s continued commentary. “I have nothing good to say about Oskar Eriksson, or that entire team, or the Swedish curling federation,” he stated bluntly. Meanwhile, Team Canada lead Ben Hebert took a more playful approach, suggesting that Eriksson’s focus on the past was indicative of his team’s struggles.
While Kennedy and other members of Team Jacobs have remained relatively quiet regarding Eriksson’s video, the situation continues to draw attention, highlighting the intense emotions that competitive curling can evoke.
Have the Teams Met Again?
Since their Olympic clash, Team Jacobs and Team Edin have yet to meet on the ice. Following their Olympic success, Team Jacobs struggled at the World Men’s Curling Championship, failing to qualify after losing to Team Matt Dunstone in the semi-finals of the Brier, while Edin’s team triumphed, winning the championship against the Canadians with a 9-6 scoreline.
Why it Matters
This ongoing curling feud underscores the delicate balance between competition and sportsmanship in a sport renowned for its tradition and integrity. As curling gains prominence on the international stage, the actions and reactions of its athletes will significantly influence how the sport is perceived globally. The incident not only affects the players involved but serves as a reminder of the importance of fair play and respect in all competitive arenas.
