Zlatan Ibrahimovic faces long ban for anti-France rant

[Prince Bálor]

Pairs: A day after scoring a brilliant hat-trick, Paris Saint-Germain`s tempestuous striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic stayed away Thursday from a disciplinary hearing which could impose a long ban for his comments attacking France and its referees.

The 33-year-old Swedish star faces up to five matches on the Ligue 1 sidelines for a widely televised rant in which he said France did not deserve a team like the star-studded Paris Saint-Germain because of the way it is treated.

Ibrahimovic did not turn up for the French league`s disciplinary commission hearing. He was represented by a lawyer and two Paris Saint Germain officials. The commission could impose a four-match ban on Ibrahimovic and activate a suspended one-match ban imposed in January.

Ibrahimovic will already be missing for the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Barcelona next week after his sending off against Chelsea in the last 16.

The hearing has tarnished another stellar week for the Swede whose hat-trick in a 4-1 French Cup semi-final win over Saint Etienne took him to 102 goals for Paris Saint-Germain in less than three seasons.

He is now only seven goals behind the club record 107 by Portuguese star Pauleta.

But the Swede`s stormy personality keeps getting him in trouble.

He was banned for two matches in February for a foul on Saint-Etienne`s Romain Hamouma which was not immediately seen by the referee but was caught on video. Another match ban was suspended.

Ibrahimovic has since been banned by UEFA for his sending off against Chelsea. And televised images were again his downfall against Bordeaux in March.

Furious at referee decisions in the game which PSG lost despite Ibrahimovic`s two goals, the Swede appeared to insult a match official as he left the field.

And he went on: "In 15 years, I have never seen such a referee. In this shit country, this country does not deserve PSG. We are too good for this country."

Amid a political furore, Ibrahimovic quickly made a video apology for the comments.

With Ibrahimovic in domineering form, Paris will miss him for any lengthy suspension as they target an unprecedented domestic championship, French Cup and League Cup treble.

Paris coach Laurent Blanc reckons a quadruple with the Champions League is also possible.

Media reports said Ibrahimovic`s representatives will plead that the outspoken player was not targeting any particular individual in his tirade.

No matter the punishment, Ibrahimovic will be eligible to play in Saturday`s League Cup final against Bastia.

Source: http://zeenews.india.com/sports/foo...es-long-ban-for-anti-france-rant_1576272.html

 

[Dolph'sZiggler]

lol Zlat you fucking legend

So what, no freedom of speech in France? I could maybe see a fine, but suspension? That's nonsense.

 

[Stopspot]

Based.

Is he a great American Hero yet?

 

[Dolph'sZiggler]

Based.

Is he a great American Hero yet?

if Zlatan comes to the MLS I'm moving to whatever city he plays for and buying season tickets.

 

[Stopspot]

if Zlatan comes to the MLS I'm moving to whatever city he plays for and buying season tickets.

You heard Zlatan's reaction yet?

"I would have been happier had they banned me for the rest of the season so I could just go on vacation".

 

[Prince Bálor]

^ GOAT 1:

 

[Dolph'sZiggler]

Is he going to leave PSG then?

 

[Stopspot]

Is he going to leave PSG then?

I wouldn't be surprised to see him go in the next transfer unless he has a mood change. He seems bored/frustrated with the league right now and not being able to get that CL win.

If he leaves I see four options.

Option 1: He goes to the BPL to get "playing in the best league in the world" out of the way and facing harder defenses.
Option 2: He goes to Asia for a big money deal for easy work like a lot of older players.
Option 3: He goes to the MLS for a big money deal for relatively easier work compared to league 1.
Option 4: Back to Italy where he is comfortable.

 

[Bort]

I hope Real sacks Bale and Benzema and brings Zlatan instead.

 

[Nick]

I hope Real sacks Bale and Benzema and brings Zlatan instead.

Can't see him fitting in there tbh. He wasn't the same player he has been when he was at Barca either.

I see him going back to Italy or the BPL, then he'll come here to Merica

 

[Lackin]

Wasn't a big fan of Zlatan tbh but after reading this I can't help but like him. But he should come to the BPL in the next transfer window.

*Zlatan Agrees*

 

[Stopspot]

Was reading up on the French league cup win online and noticed that Zlatan is his own news category on Sweden's biggest sports news site. He would be.