Matt Petgrave released on bail after arrest for savage assault on rival Adam Johnson

South Yorkshire Police have charged the athlete, whose skate blade slashed the Nottingham Panthers star's neck, with manslaughter after carrying out "exhaustive investigations" into the incident.

El delantero de los Nottingham Panthers, Adam Johnson, murió tras sufrir un grave corte en el cuello | Captura de X (Twitter). — El delantero de los Nottingham Panthers, Adam Johnson, murió tras sufrir un grave corte en el cuello | Captura de X (Twitter) @TusMedios.

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Rosana Rábago Sainz

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Almost a month ago, nearly 8,000 people witnessed a horrific sight they will never forget: a skate blade slashed the neck of Nottingham Panthers ice hockey player Adam Johnson, who was pronounced dead that same day. The skate was worn by Matt Petgrave, a black athlete belonging to the rival team, the Sheffield Steelers.

South Yorkshire Police arrested the same man last Tuesday and accused him of involuntary manslaughter for the death of the 29-year-old player. They did so after carrying out "exhaustive investigations" that led to the arrest of Petgrave, who is was in custody during a 24 hour period.

Police ask the community to maintain presumption of innocence for Petgrave

Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall said authorities began the investigation after an autopsy confirmed the death of Adam Johnson from "a fatal neck injury." Right after, he explained in a statement, his team began to analyze what happened:

Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive enquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances. We have been speaking to highly specialised experts in their field to assist in our enquiries and continue to work closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our ongoing investigation.

Despite making an arrest, the police commissioner asked that citizens respect the presumption of innocence of Matt Petgrave and not comment until the investigation is completed:

Adam's death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world. We know these communities will expect us to handle this investigation with the same professionalism, fairness and sensitivity as any other and request that members of the public refrain from comment and speculation which could hinder this process. Our thoughts remain with all affected by this devastating incident as enquiries continue.

A day later, South Yorkshire Police announced that Matt Petgrave was out on bail and that the investigation had not concluded, but added that they would "provide further updates as and when we can":

The man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter on 14 November in connection to death of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson has been released on police bail. Our investigation continues and we will provide further updates as and when we can.