Matt Petgrave released on bail in Britain after manslaughter arrest for on-ice death of Adam Johnson

Matt Petgrave, who was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of manslaughter in the death of Adam Johnson, was released on bail on Wednesday.

Johnson, 29, died as a result of Petgrave’s skate cutting his throat during an EIHL game between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers. After taking a hit, Petgrave’s leg kicked out, making contact with Johnson under his chin.

Johnson was rushed off the ice as the arena was evacuated. He succumbed to the injury in a Sheffield hospital overnight and the Panthers announced his death on Oct. 29. A post-mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of a fatal neck injury, police said.

“We have been carrying out extensive inquiries to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall of the South Yorkshire Police, per the BBC. “We have been speaking to highly specialized experts in their field to assist in our inquiries and continue to work closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our ongoing investigation.”

Social media debate ensued in the days that followed over whether Petgrave had deliberately kicked out his skate while being hit or could have avoid making contact with Johnson. Johnson’s Panthers’ teammate Westin Michaud defended Petgrave for what he said was an “unintentional clip” with the other player that uprighted him.

“The hate that Matt is receiving is terrible and completely uncalled for,” Michaud posted in a since-deleted tweet. “It’s clear to me his actions were unintentional and anyone suggesting otherwise is mistaken. Let’s come together and not spread unwarranted hate to someone who needs our support.”

It’s not unprecedented for a hockey player to be charged with a crime following an on-ice incident. In 2000, Marty McSorley was found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon for a two-handed slash to the head of Donald Brashear with his stick. He was sentenced to 18 months probation. In 2004, Todd Bertuzzi pleaded guilty to assault for grabbing Steve Moore from behind and sucker punching him. Bertuzzi agreed to a plea deal and was sentenced to one year probation and 80 hours of community service.

The ripple effect since Johnson died has been felt all over the hockey world. The English Ice Hockey Association mandated neck protection beginning Jan. 1. The German League (DEL) followed suit, as did the WHL in Canadian major junior hockey. Countless NHL players have begun donning neckguards in games as well, and the NHL and NHL Players’ Association have made neck protection a priority agenda item to discuss.

Johnson, who passed away at 29 and left behind a fiancée, played 13 games in the NHL and was honored by his former team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, with a cheer from the PPG Paints Arena faithful on Oct. 30.