Report: Swiss National League investigating former NHL coach Marc Crawford for use of homophobic slur

Content warning: The video attached to this article features homophobic language.

The Swiss National League is investigating ZSC Lions head coach Marc Crawford for his use of a homophobic slur on the bench late in Wednesday’s game against EHC Biel-Bienne, Swiss outlet Blick reported Thursday.

The television broadcast of Wednesday’s game picked up Crawford screaming at the on-ice officials to “check the clock” with 6.8 seconds remaining in the third period.

Then, after accusing the officials of having “done everything” for Biel-Bienne in the game, Crawford appears to shout a homophobic slur in the direction of Finnish referee Mikko Kaukokari.

Biel-Bienne ultimately defeated the Lions by a 3–2 score. Crawford’s full remarks late in the third period can be seen in the video below.

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9:04 PM · Feb 15, 2023

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Denis Vaucher, the CEO of the National League, was quoted by Blick journalist Grégory Beaud as saying Crawford’s remarks went far beyond what is acceptable in the “heat of the moment.”

“I actually saw this. Marc Crawford crossed a red line with these discriminatory remarks,” Vaucher said, translated from French. Beaud noted that Crawford was not penalized by the officials for his conduct.

“When you personally attack the referee as is the case here, it’s more than trash talk,” Vaucher continued. “The case is now in the hands of the single judge who will determine whether he broke the rules or not.”

Crawford, 62, has worked for the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings, Dallas Stars, Ottawa Senators, and Chicago Blackhawks during his long NHL coaching career. He also previously served as head coach of the Lions from 2012 to 2016.