Ukrainian league GM says he was fired for condemning racism

Eugene Kolychev, general manager of the Ukrainian Hockey League, tweeted Thursday that he's been fired for speaking out against racism in the wake of the Jalen Smereck incident.

Kolychev added he's going to appeal his dismissal to the IIHF.

The UHL has been the center of attention in the hockey world this week after Andri Deniskin, a forward for HK Kremenchuk, mimed peeling and eating a banana at Smereck, a Black defenseman who plays for HC Donbass.

Deniskin was suspended 13 games for his actions. Smereck previously said he wouldn't play another game in the UHL until Deniskin "is suspended and removed from the league." Smereck later added his "heart dropped" when he learned of how light Deniskin's discipline was.