PGL have handed a ban on Wildcard Gaming’s Counter-Strike 2 coach Matt “Warden” Dickens for unsportsmanlike behavior during his team’s elimination at the Copenhagen Major American RMR on Sunday.
Warden couldn’t control his frustration in his team’s 1-2 loss to M80 and was accused of splashing water at an opponent. The loss eliminated them from the race for a spot at CS2’s first Major in Denmark. Afterward, Warden didn’t shake hands with the M80 team and instead spilled water on them intentionally.
Although he has apologized for his actions, PGL still banned the coach from the RMR facility.
“I want to apologize to @malbsMd for splashing him with water during the after-game handshakes. I let my emotions get the best of me after some post-game words from him. I’m ashamed of my actions. Wishing the M80 boys the best of luck tomorrow. Grab a spot for NA.” Warding posted on social media
Meanwhile, M80 reported the incident to PGL officials, which then had Warden removed and banned from the RMR venue for unsportsmanlike conduct. Despite the ban on Wildcard, which means he won’t be allowed into the facility, his team will be allowed entry into the venue and practice facilities where the American RMR is taking place till the end of the competition. The team will need to boot camp without their coach until they head home.
Meanwhile, M80 still has a final chance at booking a ticket for the Copenhagen Major on Tuesday against Marcelo “Coldzera” David’s Legacy. Coldzera they are on the way to securing its place at a CS Majo since IEM Rio in 2022.
Wins against Nouns and MIBR have put them one best-of-three away from playing at the pinnacle event. The game tomorrow will see PaiN take on ODDIK in Tuesday’s second match.
