Featured Image Credit: Alexander NEMENOV / AFP via Getty Images)
Topics: World News, Sport, Olympics, News
Rhianna Benson
Topics: World News, Sport, Olympics, News
A French athlete has been removed from his country's Olympic ice hockey team following a 'clear violation'.
Pierre Crinon has long been considered one of the sport's top global performers, having represented his nation previously at the IIHF World Championships, and played professionally for Brûleurs de Loups of the Ligue Magnus.
The 30-year-old was also selected to play for France in this year's Winter Olympics, landing into Milan with his teammates earlier this month for the commencement of the prestigious international sporting competition.
12 countries qualified, including defending champions Finland, who came out on top of this category back in 2022.
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Tragically for Crinon, however, he was never to make it all the way to the nail-biting final, regardless of France's 10-2 loss.
During Monday's game (16 Feb) against Canada, the Reims-born athlete became embroiled in a major spat with competitor, Tom Wilson, after he left a high elbow on Nathan MacKinnon.
Savage scenes saw the Frenchman clash with Washington Capitals player Wilson, which prompted a physical display of violence between the pair.
Crinon was seen grabbing the Canadian and tackling him to the floor, pinning him down against the ice.
According to The Sun, viewers watching the games through the NBC platform Peacock were frustrated when the stream suddenly cut out.
According to in-person attendees, however, referees were forced to intervene in the blowout, sending both Crinon and Wilson off for the remainder of the game. The former was later accused of riling up a group of Canadian spectators sitting in the stands as he strode over to the changing rooms.
Despite the fair punishment for the beginnings of a fight, French officials went one step further whilst condemning their player's behaviour after it.
Thanks to his goading, it was ruled that Crinon would no longer represent his country in ice hockey this year - including in the qualification round against Germany later today (17 Feb)
Organisers also slammed the move as a 'clear violation of the Olympic spirit'.
An official statement released to press read: "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 Cronin’s 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."
It continued: "Consequently, a decision has been made not to allow his participation in the upcoming Olympic tournament games."