Montreal

Montreal Alouettes' Christophe Normand facing 2 charges of child luring

The 30-year-old football player is facing two charges of child luring for the purpose of sexually exploiting a minor under the age of 16. On Friday, the Alouettes confirmed his suspension.

Player suspended after offences alleged around Aug. 9 in Bromont, Que.

The 30-year-old fullback pleaded not guilty to the offences and was released on conditions. (Montreal Alouettes/Dominick Gravel)

Montreal Alouettes player and ex-teacher Christophe Normand has been suspended from play as he faces two charges of child luring for the purpose of sexually exploiting a minor under the age of 16. 

The 30-year-old fullback is accused of texting the minor with the intent of making an offence of a sexual nature, according to his charge sheet.

The offences are alleged to have occurred on or around Aug. 9 in Bromont, Que. 

Normand was arrested by provincial police at his home in nearby Eastman early Thursday morning. He later appeared in court by video conference from the Waterloo police station. He pleaded not guilty and was released on conditions.

In particular, Normand is prohibited from being in the presence of minors, except in the company of another responsible adult. He also cannot communicate with the complainant or use the internet.

In a brief statement posted on Twitter Thursday night, the Alouettes said it was aware of the allegations concerning Normand. The team confirmed his suspension the next day.

"To respect all parties involved, we will wait for the end of the investigation," team president Mario Cecchini said in the statement Friday. 

Based on a report by La Presse Canadienne, with files from Radio-Canada