A mass brawl broke out as the United States and Canada clashed in the men's ice hockey gold medal match during a chaotic first half that also saw a BBC commentator apologise to viewers. The sport's most highly anticipated match saw the two favourites, and some of the best hockey players in the world, meet, with the spectacle not letting any Winter Olympics viewers down.

Team USA took the lead in what had been a cagey first period, only for Canada to strike back and equalise in the second. In between both efforts, a huge fight erupted on the ice. USA's Connor Hellebuyck had made a smart save, denying Cale Makar at his near post, before the aftermath produced ugly scenes.

Tkachuk brothers Brady and Matthew were in the middle of the incident as at least six players started brawling behind the American goal, with Dylan Larkin also getting involved as several Canadian stars got physical, with helmets flying off.

However, when the referee announced that there would not be any punishment for either side, boos erupted inside the arena as supporters clearly thought that at least one team should be penalised.

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Only four minutes later, Canada drew level. They won a face-off on the left and Davon Toews switched the puck to an open Makar, who drove past Connor Hellebuyck and blasted into the net to spark huge celebrations.

BBC commentator Kent Simpson, who is Canadian, interrupted Seth Bennett and shouted: "Sheepdogs!" He then quickly apologised: "Sorry, as a Canadian I've got to jump in, 'Feeling Good' by the Sheepdogs is the name of the song."

The second period drew to a close as more fisticuffs broke out in front of the bench, with the two teams, filled with NHL players who share the same dressing rooms back home, clashing once again as they made their way off the ice.

However, the referee quickly took action, warning both teams that he would punish only one of them if any further altercations occurred, with everyone involved walking away in the knowledge that they risked damaging their own chances.

The third and final period saw USA netminder Hellebuyck make a host of incredible saves, including four in just the opening few minutes.

He found himself one-on-one with Macklin Celebrini, but stood his ground and kept the scores tied.

The USA were given a golden opportunity to win gold late on, as Sam Bennett was penalised for a high stick and the Americans were awarded a four-minute power play, a man advantage, with just over six minutes remaining.

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