PSG's Zlatan Ibrahimovic to face French Football League for tirade
Paris St Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marseille playmaker Dimitri Payet have been called before the French Football League (LFP) disciplinary commission to explain their recent comments about referees.
Both players had expletive-laden tirades about the officials caught on camera following their respective sides' disappointing results last Sunday.
They have been called to face the commission at its session on April 9.
Ibrahimovic, just days after he was sent off in the dramatic Champions League clash with Chelsea and labelled the English club's players "babies" for crowding referee Bjorn Kuipers, was in confrontational mood again following PSG's 3-2 loss to Bordeaux.
Angered by Lionel Jaffredo's failure to award a free-kick after Bordeaux goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso picked up a clear backpass with five minutes remaining, he made his feelings known on the way towards the dressing room.
Speaking in English but in partial sentences, he was filmed saying: "He's an a******. Play 15 years, never seen referee this s*** country. Don't even deserve PSG should be in this country. F****** too good for all of you. Should be happy they exist."
He later apologised but denied suggestions the remarks were derogatory towards France as a whole, claiming: "Don't twist it, it's about football we talk."
Footage later surfaced from the Stade Velodrome tunnel as Marseille left the field after their goalless draw with title rivals Lyon, with the home players angry at a late Lucas Ocampos 'goal' not being allowed despite television replays and a 3D simulation from Canal+ appearing to show the ball crossing the line.
Payet yelled expletives as he passed the closed door of the officials' dressing room.
The France international attempted to defend himself on Wednesday, telling his club's website: "How can people criticise me for my words towards the officials when they were still on the pitch when I spoke?
"My words were not intended for them. Even if it was inelegant, it was nothing more than frustration."
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has not been slow to comment on the issues affecting the league leaders' two nearest rivals.
After Marseille tweeted a still image of Lyon keeper Anthony Lopes attempting to scramble Ocampos' shot away, he replied: "@OM_Officiel 1 the foul (by Ocampos) on Anthony is clear and evident! 2 the ball may not have crossed the line completely? Bravo to the officials?"
On Ibrahimovic's outburst, Aulas declared himself "shocked" and added: "A suspension until the end of the season would not be excessive."
