OLYMPICS: Ice hockey-France suspend Crinon for rest of Games after Canada fight

MILAN – France’s Pierre Crinon will not play any further part in the men’s Olympic ice hockey tournament, the French Ice Hockey Federation (FFHG) announced Monday. The defender received a game misconduct in France’s final group game against Canada for fighting.

Crinon clashed with Canadian Tom Wilson seven minutes before the end of France’s 10-2 loss on Sunday. Both players were given a two-minute penalty for roughing and a 25-minute penalty for fighting, which is not allowed at the Games.

The player was interviewed by Pierre-Yves Gerbeau, president of the FFHG and deputy chef de mission of the French delegation.

While the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has not imposed further sanctions, the French federation expressed concern over Crinon’s behavior after leaving the ice.

“The provocative behavior of Pierre Crinon when he left the ice, even though he had just been excluded from the match for a fight, constitutes a clear violation of the Olympic spirit and undermines the values of our sport,” the FFHG said in a statement.

“The decision was therefore taken, in full alignment with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, not to allow his participation in the next match of the Olympic tournament.”

France, which finished last in Group A with zero points, will face Germany in the playoff round on Tuesday. The winner will advance to a quarterfinal against Slovakia. -Reporting by Trevor StynesEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters