PSG Deplore 'severity' Of Ibrahimovic Ban

Paris Saint-Germain on Friday deplored the
"severity" of the four-match ban handed down on
Zlatan Ibrahimovic by the Professional Football
League (LFP) for his comments attacking France and
its referees.
The 33-year-old Swedish star will miss PSG's Ligue 1
games against Nice, Lille, Metz and Nantes as a
result of his 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.
"The club deplores the severity with which its player
has been sanctioned, given his immense
contribution to the image of French football, both in
France and internationally," PSG countered in a
statement.
"The club would also highlight, in this respect, that
the player's only hearings at the disciplinary
commission have been requested after
supplementary reports were made following viewing
of images after the act.
"It is, once again, after viewing images filmed by a
television crew, that the commission decided to
impose a disproportionate sanction on the player;
one that denies Paris Saint-Germain a key player
during this crucial period of the season and its quest
for domestic success."
PSG, still in the running for an unprecedented four
trophies, added: "The enthusiasm and total support
of our loyal fans will strengthen the determination
and motivation of our players whose objectives
remain to try and win more trophies this term.
"Nothing will prevent us from writing a new winning
chapter in the history of our club."
Playing against Bordeaux in March, Ibrahimovic was
left furious at referee decisions in the game which
PSG lost despite his two goals, and the striker
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 as they target an unprecedented domestic
championship, French Cup and League Cup treble.
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.
He will, however, be eligible to play in PSG's League
Cup final against Bastia on Saturday.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN