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Russia will face sanctions after leaving the ice before Canada's anthem at World Championship

REUTERS/Laszlo Balogh / REUTERS

All they're asking is for a little respect.

It looks as though the IIHF will punish Russia after they failed to pay homage to their competition.

Following the team's 6-1 loss to Canada in the gold-medal game of the World Championship on Sunday, many of the Russian squad's players headed directly to the dressing room.

It's customary for the losing team to remain on the ice for the playing of the winning team's anthem as a gesture of good sportsmanship.

"Once we arrive back home after the world championships we will look into this question and we will get in touch with those in charge at the Russian Ice Hockey Federation," IIHF president Rene Fasel said in a statement to the TASS news agency. "The IIHF has its own protocol and some sort of punishment will be handed down."

"On the ice during the game, anything can happen - collisions, fights," Fasel added. "However, after its conclusion, respect to the opposition is always necessary."

Canada captured its first gold medal at the tournament since 2007 and first medal since 2009.

- With h/t to Reuters

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