Team GB's curling squad has been dragged into a Winter Olympics cheating scandal, receiving a penalty for a 'double touch' violation during a match on Sunday. This incident occurred in the wake of increased surveillance by officials, sparked by a fierce dispute between Canada and Sweden over similar allegations earlier in the week.
Heightened Scrutiny After Canadian Controversy
The controversy began on Friday when Sweden's Oskar Eriksson repeatedly accused Canadian opponent Marc Kennedy of cheating by double-touching the stones during their curling match in Cortina. This led to a furious reaction from Kennedy and heightened tensions on the ice, prompting officials to implement stricter monitoring of games.
Penalty for Bruce Mouat's Team
Under this intensified scrutiny, Team GB, led by skip Bruce Mouat, fell foul of the rules. Officials penalised the British team for a double touch, a violation that occurs when a player makes contact with a stone more than once during delivery. This penalty has cast a shadow over Team GB's performance and raised questions about sportsmanship in the sport.
The incident highlights the growing focus on fair play in curling, with officials taking a zero-tolerance approach to infractions. As the Winter Olympics continue, athletes are under pressure to adhere strictly to regulations, with any deviations risking penalties and public scrutiny.
