France Suspends Pierre Crinon from Olympics After Fight with Tom Wilson
In a surprising turn of events during the Olympic ice hockey tournament, French defenseman Pierre Crinon has been suspended following a fight with Canada’s Tom Wilson. This clash occurred during Canada’s overwhelming 10-2 win over France.
Background on Pierre Crinon
Pierre Crinon, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound player from Reims, France, competes in the French Ligue Magnus, representing Brûleurs de Loups. He is known for his physical style of play and a reputation for challenging behavior on the ice.
Controversial Selection
- Crinon was a controversial choice for the Olympic roster due to his previous disciplinary actions.
- Earlier this season, he received a seven-game suspension for injuring a goalie by repeatedly punching him while he was unprotected.
- He has a history of accumulating penalty minutes, totaling 66 PIM in just 29 games this season.
Incident Details
During the match against Canada, Crinon’s energetic play led to a fight with Tom Wilson. After the altercation, he was ejected for violating Olympic rules that prohibit fighting. As Crinon exited the rink, he reacted provocatively, taunting both Wilson and the crowd.
Aftermath of the Fight
In light of his conduct, the French Ice Hockey Federation (FFHG) called for a review of Crinon’s behavior. Pierre-Yves Gerbeau, president of the FFHG, announced that Crinon would be summoned for a meeting to discuss the incident fully.
Following this review, the FFHG decided to suspend Crinon from any further participation in the tournament. Their statement emphasized that his actions not only contradicted the Olympic spirit but also disrespected the sport’s values.
Looking Ahead
As for Team Canada, Tom Wilson will be moving forward in the tournament, preparing for a crucial quarterfinal match against the winner of the Czechia-Denmark qualifier on February 18. Wilson’s teammates have expressed support for his decision to confront Crinon, especially after the French player had earlier delivered a head hit to Canadian star Nathan MacKinnon.
This incident has underscored the competitive nature of Olympic ice hockey and the fine line between aggressive play and sportsmanship. The FFHG’s swift action reflects the seriousness with which they view the integrity of the sport.
