KARLOVY VARY, Czech Republic – A hard-fought quarterfinal victory for HC Energie Karlovy Vary over HC Liberec was marred by unacceptable behavior from a segment of the Energie fanbase. The club and its majority owner, Dušan Šenkypl, have publicly condemned the use of vulgar language directed towards opposing fans during the game on March 20, 2026.
The incident occurred during the first leg of the playoff series in Liberec. Šenkypl initially addressed the issue in a Facebook post, which was subsequently published on the club’s official website. His statement reflects a deep disappointment with the actions of a portion of the Energie supporters, despite the team’s on-ice success.
“We won on the ice today, but we lost in the stands,” Šenkypl wrote. “It was a great game with a happier ending for us. I am saddened that our fans resorted to so many vulgar expressions. Great respect, however, to the fans of Liberec, who supported their team wonderfully and without vulgarity. On behalf of myself, the club, and I believe the vast majority of decent Energie fans, I apologize and look forward to enjoying the series properly with everyone.”
The club echoed Šenkypl’s sentiments in a formal statement, emphasizing its commitment to a safe and respectful environment for all attendees. “Vulgarity, aggressive behavior, or any action that disrupts a safe and respectful sporting environment and fair play is in direct conflict with the values of our club,” the statement read. “We also apologize to our opponents for the actions of individual Energie fans today.”
“We won on the ice today, but we lost in the stands.”
This response comes as Karlovy Vary aims to establish a stronger community presence, a vision Šenkypl brought to the club when he became the majority owner in 2022. According to reports, Šenkypl’s investment wasn’t simply a financial transaction, but a commitment to building a club that represents more than just a sports brand. He envisions Energie Karlovy Vary as a central part of the local community.
Šenkypl, a successful entrepreneur and investor, is known for his involvement in several e-commerce and technology ventures, including ePojisteni.cz and NetBrokers Holding. He is also a partner at Pale Fire Capital, an investment firm with stakes in companies like Groupon, where he briefly served as interim CEO in 2023, becoming one of the first Czechs to lead a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ. His business acumen and commitment to long-term vision are now being applied to the revitalization of the Karlovy Vary hockey club.
The incident highlights a growing concern within Czech hockey regarding fan behavior. While passionate support is a hallmark of the sport, clubs are increasingly focused on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all fans. This incident serves as a reminder that maintaining a positive environment requires ongoing effort and a clear stance against unacceptable conduct.
The club’s swift and decisive response, coupled with Šenkypl’s personal apology, demonstrates a commitment to upholding those values. It remains to be seen what specific measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, but the message is clear: vulgar and aggressive behavior will not be tolerated.
📢 HC Energie Karlovy Vary se důrazně distancuje od nevhodného chování jednotlivců z řad fanoušků, ke kterému došlo v souvislosti s prvním čtvrtfinálovým utkáním v Liberci. ❓https://t.co/eJ9JtgvXAV
— HC Energie K. Vary (@hokejkv) March 20, 2026
The series between Energie Karlovy Vary and HC Liberec continues with the second leg in Karlovy Vary. Fans can expect a heightened focus on maintaining a respectful atmosphere at the home game. The club has not yet announced any specific security measures, but officials have indicated they are reviewing protocols to ensure a positive experience for all attendees. The next game is scheduled for March 22, 2026, at the ČEZ Aréna in Karlovy Vary.
This incident underscores the broader responsibility of sports organizations to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity. While the passion of fans is vital to the game, it must be channeled in a way that upholds the values of fair play and sportsmanship. The response from Energie Karlovy Vary and Dušan Šenkypl sets a clear example for other clubs to follow.
