French ice hockey chiefs on Tuesday threw defender Pierre Crinon out of the 2026 Winter Olympics for making an inappropriate gesture to fans after he was sent off for fighting during Sunday night's 10-2 round robin defeat to Canada.
Crinon, 30, was sanctioned for smashing his left forearm into the jaw of Canada's Nathan MacKinnon.
His teammate, Tom Wilson, retaliated and referees Daniel Hynek and Ryan Daisy had to wrestle Wilson and the Frenchman apart.
As he skated off the ice at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Crinon used his hands to cup his ears at the spectators.
The French ice hockey federation – FFHG – and the French Olympic committee met on Monday to thrash out the player's fate.
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An immediate ban was confirmed as the France team underwent its final preparations for Tuesday afternoon's play-off against Germany for a place in the last eight in the men's tournament.
"Pierre Crinon's provocative behaviour as he left the ice, even though he had just been sent off for fighting, constitutes a clear violation of the Olympic spirit and also undermines the values of our sport," said a communique issued by the FFHG.
"The decision has therefore been taken, in full agreement with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, not to allow him to participate in the next match or matches of the Olympic tournament."
Crinon's expulsion – along with Wilson – brought them each a one-match ban.
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"The purpose of the meeting was also to remind Crinon of the personal commitments he made when he was selected for the French Olympic team," said an FFHG spokesperson.
"The FFHG wishes to reiterate the values of any player wearing the French national team jersey and their duty to set an example, particularly during the Olympic Games."
While Wilson will miss Canada's last eight game on Wednesday, Germany ended France's interest in the tournament with a 5-1 victory to advance to a last eight clash against Slovakia.
With Canada and the United States favourites for gold and silver, France's most plausible hopes had been of a bronze medal.
But they endured an abject campaign. Switzerland beat them 4-0 in the opening game in Group A on 12 February. And they lost to the Czech Republic 6-3 on 13 February before the Canada thrashing.
