The NHL has fired referee Tim Peel over comments he made on a hot mic during Wednesday’s game between the Nashville Predators and Detroit Redwings.

“Nothing is more important than ensuring the integrity of our game,”  National Hockey League Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell said. “Tim Peel’s conduct is in direct contradiction to the adherence to that cornerstone principle that we demand of our officials and that our fans, players, coaches and all those associated with our game expect and deserve. There is no justification for his comments, no matter the context or his intention, and the National Hockey League will take any and all steps necessary to protect the integrity our game.”

Peel called a penalty on Nashville 12:42 remaining in the second period, when the Nashville broadcast picked up audio from Peel saying “it wasn’t much, but I wanted to get a f****** penalty against Nashville early.”

Nashville ended up winning the game 2-0.