French ice hockey player Pierre Crinon has been banned from competing in the remainder of the Winter Games for ‘violating the Olympic spirit’.
The 30-year-old will play no further part in the Winter Olympics after being suspended by the French Ice Hockey Federation.
Crinon was involved in rare and frowned upon fight during France’s heavy 10-2 defeat to Canada on Monday but it was his actions following the dismissal that led to his suspension.
Bruleurs de Loups star Crinon smashed into Nathan MacKinnon during the third period of the match, receiving a two-minute penalty for appearing to hit his rival in the face with his forearm.
But that punishment did not satisfy Canada and Washington Capitals veteran Tom Wilson challenged Crinon, with a fight soon breaking out.
Both Wilson and Crinon were immediately ejected after their scuffle as fighting, though common in hockey leagues around the world, is deemed ‘misconduct’ by the International Ice Hockey Federation and essentially banned in the Olympics.
Crinon was seen goading the booing partisan crowd as he made his way back into the changing rooms, cupping his ears and even encouraging the supporters to increase the volume of their jeers.
Olympic authorities could have handed out suspensions to both athletes but decided not to take any further action after reviewing the incident.
Crinon did not escape further punishment, however, and was in fact banned from competing in the rest of the Games by his own federation, who said he had ‘violated the Olympic spirit’ and ‘undermined the values of our sport’.
‘Following the France-Canada game and the attitude of player Pierre Crinon, on and off the ice, Pierre-Yves Gerbeau, president of the FFHG and deputy head of mission of the French delegation, heard the player in an interview in the presence of Fabien Saguez, head of mission of the Olympic delegation, the national technical director of the FFHG, and the staff of the French Team,’ a statement read.
‘This interview also aimed to remind the player of the personal commitments he made as part of his selection for the French Olympic Team.
‘Regarding the match penalty for which he was sanctioned, the federation acknowledges the decision of the international federation – the body competent to rule on breaches of the rules of the game during the Olympic Games – not to take any further action against the players concerned.
‘Nevertheless, the FFHG intends to remind everyone of the values of every player wearing the French national team jersey, as well as their duty to set an example, particularly during the Olympic Games.
‘Therefore, Pierre Crinon’s provocative behaviour upon leaving the ice, even though he had just been ejected from the game for fighting, constitutes a clear violation of the Olympic spirit and also undermines the values of our sport.
‘Consequently, a decision has been made, in full agreement with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, not to allow his participation in the upcoming Olympic tournament game(s).’
Speaking out on Crinon’s fight with Wilson, Canada star Connor McDavid said: ‘We didn’t like the hit: felt like it was late and high.
‘Willy just finishes a check and the guy jumps him, and Willy’s just protecting himself. That’s all he can do. That’s the type of guy he is, type of teammate he is. Nothing but respect for him.’
Drew Doughty added: ‘Obviously fighting isn’t a big thing in this tournament, but when a guy takes a run at one of our big guys, that’s what Willy does. It was great to see him step up.’
Canada head coach Jon Cooper, meanwhile, said: ‘We’re used to a lot more than that happening, so it was pretty harmless in the grand scheme of things.
‘Sticking up for his teammates, that’s an easy one for him.’
The ban means Crinon missed France’s qualifying play-off match against Germany on Tuesday, with Les Bleus crashing out of the tournament at the earliest possible opportunity.
Canada, Slovakia, United States and defending Olympic champions Finland all advanced straight to the quarter-finals.
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