Team GB embroiled in curling controversy at Winter Olympics
Team GB has become embroiled in the curling controversy sweeping through the Winter Olympics after Scottish competitor Bobby Lammie had a stone disqualified during their match against Germany, reports BritPanorama.
The 29-year-old was penalised for allegedly making contact with the granite after releasing it down the ice, a violation of the sport’s regulations. Despite the incident occurring in the ninth end, Britain secured a comfortable 9-4 triumph that has moved them closer to qualification for the semi-finals.
The ruling came from one of the roving umpires now patrolling all four sheets following recent disputes, as officials seek to prevent further confrontations in the competition. This heightened surveillance stems from a fiery altercation between Canada and Sweden last Friday evening, where the Swedish team alleged their opponents had double-touched a stone before completing their release.
Canadian curler Marc Kennedy responded furiously to the accusations, telling his accusers to “Fk off!” and declaring he didn’t “give a st” about examining any video evidence. World Curling subsequently confirmed that two officials would be assigned to monitor the four lanes used simultaneously at the Games, though acknowledged it remained impossible to observe every single delivery. The sport does not employ VAR technology, making direct observation the only method of enforcement.
Observers at the venue reported that Lammie’s infringement appeared to be nothing more than a finger lingering momentarily on the handle after letting go, rather than any intentional interference with the stone’s trajectory. A source confirmed that the contact was merely an accidental graze, emphasising there was no deliberate manipulation involved. Britain’s curlers, who hold the current world championship title, reportedly backed the enhanced officiating measures despite falling foul of them.
The victory represented their fourth success from five outings in the competition, keeping their medal ambitions firmly on track as the knockout stages approach. The incident involving Lammie marks the latest chapter in an escalating saga that has put competitors on notice ahead of the medal rounds.
On Saturday, Canadian skip Rachel Homan saw her opening stone removed during the women’s group stage fixture against Switzerland due to a rules breach. Social media footage appeared to show Canadian players making contact with stones after release, though both nations involved have rejected any suggestions of improper conduct. The crackdown was implemented specifically to address concerns about potential cheating in the sport, with curlers across all teams now recognising they face intense scrutiny with every delivery as the tournament progresses towards its climax.
In an atmosphere charged with competition and scrutiny, this unfolding drama highlights not just the intensity of the sport, but reminds us how the margins can become razor-thin under pressure.
