- Bob Nardella protested a penalty against one of his Chicago Wolves players on Saturday
- AHL chairman Scott Howson announced the ban on the head coach on Tuesday
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Bob Nardella, head coach of AHL club Chicago Wolves, has been suspended by the league for 10 games for anti-gay comments.
The American Hockey League's suspension comes after Nardella used anti-gay language toward officials in a game against the Texas Stars on Saturday.
Chicago's Kyle Marino was assessed a double minor penalty for high-sticking in the third quarter of the game.
Nardella protested the decision and was subsequently assessed a bench minor penalty and a game misconduct for abuse of officials.
On Tuesday, AHL President Scott Howson issued the ban, with the league announcing the punishment in a statement that read: via ESPN“The American Hockey League is committed to building a culture that is safe, inclusive and free from abuse, harassment and all forms of unethical conduct or misconduct,” the league said in a statement.
Chicago Wolves coach Bob Nardella has been suspended for 10 games for anti-gay comments
55-year-old Nardella protested against a penalty during a Wolves match last weekend
The 55-year-old will be allowed to take part in team training on non-match days during the suspension.
Nardella took over as the Wolves' head coach in June after serving as the team's assistant coach for seven years.
Chicago Wolves forward Dominic Franco has also been handed a one-match ban after pleading guilty to a second misconduct for 'abuse of officials' this season, resulting in the automatic suspension.
Franco's misconduct was also reflected in the Wolves' 8-5 loss to the Stars on Saturday.
The Wolves will play as an independent in the AHL this season, as they are not currently affiliated with an NFL team.