France bans Olympic hockey player for fighting
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The French hockey player who fought Canadian star Tom Wilson in a Winter Olympic qualifying round match was suspended for the remainder of the Games on Monday.
Pierre Crinon will not play against Germany on Tuesday as the French hockey federation found that the defender’s actions went against its values. Additionally, Crinon will not be able to play if France advances to the qualifying round.
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France’s Pierre Crinon (7) fights Canada’s Tom Wilson (43) during the third period of the men’s ice hockey qualifying match between Canada and France at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
“Pierre Crinon’s provocative behavior as he left the ice, despite being sent off for a fight, is a clear violation of the Olympic spirit and also undermines the values of our sport,” the French Ice Hockey Federation (FFHG) said in a statement via Reuters. he said.
“Therefore, in full agreement with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, the decision was taken not to allow him to participate in the next match(s) of the Olympic tournament.”
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Canada’s Tom Wilson (43) and France’s Pierre Crinon (center) fight during the third period of the men’s ice hockey qualifying match between Canada and France at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)
The two men squared off with about seven minutes left in the game, which Canada won 10-2. Both players were ejected, as there is no five-minute major penalty for fighting in Olympic rules. Wilson appeared to be looking to avenge the hard hit his teammate Nathan MacKinnon received earlier in the game.
Crinon hit MacKinnon in the jaw and received a two-minute penalty.
France are currently failing to score any points in their first match of the Olympics.
Frenchman Pierre Crinon (7) and Canadian Tom Wilson (43) fight during the third period of the men’s ice hockey qualifying match between Canada and France at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
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Canada will play against the Czech Republic or Denmark in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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