MILAN, ITALY – French ice hockey defenseman Pierre Crinon has publicly criticized the decision by the French Ice Hockey Federation (FFHG) to suspend him for the remainder of the 2026 Winter Olympics, calling it a “betrayal” and “ridiculous.” The suspension followed a heated on-ice altercation with Canadian forward Tom Wilson during a match on February 16th, and subsequent actions deemed provocative by the FFHG.
Crinon, who plays for Brûleurs de Loups in the Ligue Magnus, expressed his disappointment in an interview with Le Dauphiné, stating he felt the federation’s response was politically motivated. “It touched me. Not necessarily what was happening on social media, but the fact that the president (Pierre-Yves Gerbeau) would make these decisions towards me,” Crinon said. “I take it as a betrayal, I identify it ridiculous. It’s very political. Maybe he wanted to reveal himself before the upcoming elections. Good for him if it works. To reach after me like this is ridiculous.”
The incident unfolded during France’s lopsided 10-2 loss to Canada. Crinon engaged in a fight with Tom Wilson, resulting in a match penalty and ejection from the game. Following his expulsion, Crinon reportedly gestured towards the Canadian supporters, a move the FFHG characterized as provocative and a violation of the Olympic spirit. While the International Federation opted not to impose further sanctions on either player for the on-ice incident, the FFHG decided to suspend Crinon for the remainder of the Milan-Cortina Winter Games.
A History of Penalties
The FFHG’s decision wasn’t solely based on the events of the Canada game. Federation president Pierre-Yves Gerbeau, speaking to RMC Sport, highlighted Crinon’s “past record,” referencing a seven-game suspension the player received earlier this season in the Ligue Magnus for another on-ice altercation. “The images we saw are not beautiful, they do not represent everything we convey in terms of values in our sport,” Gerbeau stated.
Crinon acknowledged his history of disciplinary issues but questioned the severity of the Olympic suspension. “I’m not a saint,” he admitted. “But I wonder if it warranted a suspension like this. Why isn’t Julia Simon reprimanded for shushing the crowd when she wins? Why isn’t the biathlete who insults people in the media suspended? That doesn’t respect the values of the Olympics either.”
The suspension has sparked debate within the hockey community. Canadian hockey commentator Jamie McLennan called the decision “the most idiotic thing I have seen so far at the Olympics,” while Crinon’s French teammate, Hugo Gallet, described it as unfair and “biased by something that happened before.”
Beyond the Olympics: A Previous Suspension and Legal Issues
This isn’t the first time Crinon’s aggressive play has landed him in hot water. In November 2025, he received a seven-game suspension for punching Ducs d’Angers goaltender Matt O’Connor. He also referenced this incident in his recent interview, stating, “Against Angers, yes, maybe I went too far. But it was still a punch in a hockey fight.” He expressed frustration that the consequences for his actions seemed disproportionately severe, particularly given the public scrutiny surrounding the Olympic suspension.
Adding another layer to the situation, Crinon was also due to appear in court in May 2026 regarding the incident with O’Connor, though reports indicate he has not yet received a summons. He expressed bewilderment at the attention his case has received, stating, “The fact that I’m given this sanction at the Olympics and displayed like this in the press, I don’t understand. I think it’s gone too far.”
Despite the controversy, Crinon remains focused on finishing the season with Grenoble in the Ligue Magnus. He expressed gratitude for the support of his teammates, staff, and family, and vowed to move forward. “Fortunately, I have my teammates, some people on the staff, and my family who support me. I’m moving on. I have other things to think about now, and I have a season-ending to play with Grenoble.”
The incident raises questions about the balance between on-ice passion and off-ice conduct, particularly at a high-profile event like the Olympic Games. While the FFHG sought to uphold the values of sportsmanship and the Olympic spirit, Crinon feels he has been unfairly targeted, leaving his Olympic dream cut short and a lingering sense of injustice.
Crinon’s next scheduled game with Grenoble is March 8th against Mulhouse. The outcome of his legal proceedings regarding the incident with Matt O’Connor is still pending.
