Ibrahimovic hit with three-match ban

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been slapped with a three-match ban by the Football Association following his controversial elbow on Tyrone Mings.

Ibrahimovic accepted the violent conduct charge while Mings and Bournemouth have said they will appeal against the decision.

The former Sweden international lashed out on Mings during a coming together in the Cherries’ penalty area after the Bournemouth defender appeared to stamp on Ibrahimovic’s head.

Mings claimed after the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford that it was accidental but the FA hinted he would be hit with a severe suspension.

Ibrahimovic, who was reluctant to discuss the incident on Saturday, will now miss his side’s upcoming FA Cup tie with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

He will also sit out his side’s Premier League matches with both Southampton and West Brom.

The FA released the following statement: ‘Zlatan Ibrahimovic will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after he admitted an FA charge of violent conduct and accepted the standard penalty.

‘It follows an incident in or around the 44th minute of the game between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth on Saturday (4 March 2017).

‘The misconduct was not seen by the match officials at the time but caught on video.’

Jose Mourinho will however be able to call on Ibrahimovic’s services for United’s two-legged affair with Russian outfit Rostov.

Ibrahimovic is expected to start the Europa League last 16 first leg tie with Marcus Rashford likely to fill in for the suspended striker in domestic competitions.

Mings said after being quizzed on the incident: ‘It was a good battle, you know exactly what you are going to get playing against him. There will be things highlighted more than others, but I enjoyed it.’

Ibrahimovic, on the other hand, said Mings ‘jumped into’ his elbow. 

‘In my situation, I jump up, I jump high,’ the Swede said. ‘At the same time I protect myself and unlucky he jumps into me. Many times this occasion happens.’

Referee Kevin Friend missed the incidents which allowed the FA to punish both players. Andrew Surman ended up seeing red for pushing over Ibrahimovic and picking up his second yellow card of the game.