L-leader's anger as Swedish hockey player joins Russian club: 'Fucking fool'

The Swedish hockey player Linus Weissbach’s transfer to the Russian KHL club SKA St. Petersburg has sparked strong reactions from Sweden’s liberal circles. EU parliamentarian Karin Karlsbro (L) is furious and calls him a ‘fucking fool’, also accusing him of mocking all politicians fighting for Ukraine.

Linus Weissbach was presented earlier in July as a new player for SKA St. Petersburg. After the transfer, he stated that the decision had come after careful consideration.

Weissbach most recently played for Frölunda in the SHL, where he recorded 17 points in 33 games during the past season. After an injury-ridden year, the club chose not to offer him a new contract.

With no ongoing contract in the SHL or North America, Weissbach instead chose to continue his professional career in Russia by signing with SKA St. Petersburg.

‘Many Swedes want to play in the KHL’

According to Weissbach, there are many Swedish hockey players who want to play in the Russian league but have refrained from taking the step after sanctions were imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

‘Many Swedish players want to play in the KHL, so maybe my move can open up that possibility for others in the future. Previously, there have always been many Swedes in the league and everyone has had positive experiences from the KHL,’ says Weissbach.

On the social media platform X liberal Karin Karlsbro writes that the hockey player is a ‘fucking fool’.

Karlsbro, who is the European Parliament’s chief negotiator for the EU’s financial support to Ukraine, stands by her wording.

‘This needed to be said,’ the L-leader clarifies.

When asked about her harsh choice of words, Karlsbro says that in this particular case, she feels things must be called by their proper name.

‘Sometimes you need to call it as it is. Period.’

The social feeds of L-leader Karin Karlsbro consist of many Ukraine pictures.. Photo: Facsimile Facebook

According to Karlsbro, Swedish players’ transfers to Russian clubs risk contributing to the normalization of Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine.

‘It is an insult to the work that so many – not just politicians, but also volunteers – do across Europe to support Ukraine.’

The issue simultaneously brings up that similar demands for a boycott were not pursued by the Liberals in connection with the US-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Weissbach most recently played for Frölunda in the SHL, where he recorded 17 points in 33 games during the last season. After an injury-plagued year, the club chose not to offer him a new contract. That is why he decided to secure his career and finances by signing a professional contract in Russia.