Breaking: KHL player suspended for DIRTY hit on ref

Alexander Avtsin of Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik in the KHL was suspended by the league on Monday morning for slew-footing a referee during his team's previous match against HC Sochi.

If you're reading this from Russia, you can visit the KHL's website to view the full video of the play - if not, you'll have to settle for this GIF.

The incident occurred on Friday night - and was followed by a requested investigation on the play from the referee's department. While some might argue that it was accidental, a closer look at the play revealed enough evidence to prove that the slewfoot was intentional.

Avtsin, a former Montreal Canadiens draft pick from 2009 (4th round, 109th overall), will sit out the next 5 games for this egregious hit on the on-ice official.