France hockey federation clarifies reason behind Pierre Crinon’s Olympic ban
We now know much more about the exact reasons that led to Pierre Crinon’s definitive expulsion by his own federation.
And it’s not what we initially believed!
Contrary to first impressions, it was not the hit on Nathan MacKinnon nor the fight with Tom Wilson that sealed his fate.
Insider Marco D’Amico confirmed that the French federation acted specifically because the defenseman taunted Canadian fans after being ejected from the game.
"The French Hockey Federation suspends Pierre Crinon for the rest of the Olympics.
This is not because of his skirmish with Tom Wilson, but for taunting Canadian fans after being expulsed."
– Marco D’Amico
This is not because of his skirmish with Tom Wilson, but for taunting Canadian fans after being expulsed."
– Marco D’Amico
It was this lapse in judgment and lack of class while leaving the ice that pushed French officials over the edge.
Insider Chris Johnston clarified that the federation cited “provocative behavior” on the player’s part, calling his actions a “clear violation of the Olympic spirit.”
Let’s be honest, at the Olympic Games—especially for a team like France—the image projected is just as important as on-ice performance.
Engaging negatively with the opposing crowd after an ejection is a blatant show of disrespect toward the institution.
France wanted to send an unmistakable message: clowns will not be tolerated, no matter how useful they may be on the ice.
Crinon forgot he was wearing his nation’s jersey, not that of a beer-league team, and he’s paying the full price today.
It was for his behavior while leaving the ice that Pierre Crinon was banned for the remainder of the Olympic Games by his own federation
That explains everything.
"In banning Pierre Crinon for the rest of the Olympics, France's hockey federation cited his 'provocative behavior' after being ejected for fighting Tom Wilson, calling it a 'clear violation of the Olympic spirit.'
- Chris Johnston
- Chris Johnston
There you have it. You can also watch the footage right here:
Also read on Montreal Hockey Fanatics :
Pierre Crinon suspended for the rest of the 2026 Olympics following incident against Team Canada
Pierre Crinon suspended for the rest of the 2026 Olympics following incident against Team Canada
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics