Zlatan Ibrahimovic is idolized at Manchester United despite not having gone through an entire season at Old Trafford. He is the club’s leading goalscorer, netting when the Red Devils need him most.
But on Saturday, he showed his ugly side. The Swedish star cut a frustrated figure during their clash with Bournemouth in the Premier League, and was guilty of committing a heinous act.
The former PSG ace elbowed Tyrone Mings during a first-half tussle for a corner kick. Zlatan’s action was intentional, yet he escaped without even a booking after referee Kevin Friend failed to notice the incident.
Ibrahimovic had been the victim of a seriously dangerous stamp from Mings on Zlatan’s head, which also looked intentional but went unpunished. The Swede got revenge shortly afterwards by elbowing the Bournemouth player, which lead to a brawl.
A player was given his marching orders, but it wasn’t any of the two players involved in the battle. Instead, Andrew Surman was shown his second yellow of the game for shoving Ibrahimovic to the floor after his reckless foul on Mings.
Since the referee didn’t punish the 35-year-old, this could pave the way for a three-game ban from the FA. If he is suspended, it will leave Man United in a sticky situation, as they remain in sixth and outside a Champions League spot.
Ref got that so wrong. Mings should have gone. Didn't. Zlatan should have gone. Didn't. Surman didn't deserve to go. Did.
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) March 4, 2017
Zlatan, Mings & Kevin Friend should all sit out the next few weeks after that mess.
— Adrian Clarke (@adrianjclarke) March 4, 2017
Carragher and Henry spot on...Mings can have no complaints getting a smack from Zlatan. FA will hammer Mings. Long ban coming #MUNBOU
— Kevin Palmer (@RealKevinPalmer) March 4, 2017
Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs Tyrone Mings:
— Football Stuff (@FootbalIStuff) March 4, 2017
- Zlatan elbows Mings' face
- Mings stamps on Zlatan's head
Both these incidents went unpunished. pic.twitter.com/qwsg9rKBcq
Zlatan (elbow) and Mings (stamp) should both see red. Roll on video technology.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) March 4, 2017
Tyrone Mings on Zlatan Ibrahimovic: "He is who he is, a physical player. I knew what I would be in for. I don't know if there was an elbow."
— Manchester United (@paulpogba1997) March 4, 2017
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