Johannesburg [South Africa]: Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings were on Monday charged with alleged violent conduct by the Football Association (FA) over two incidents in Saturday’s 1-1 draw in the Premier League.
The pair clashed shortly before half-time, with Mings appearing to deliberately stamp on Ibrahimovic’s head as he jumped over him late in the first half at Old Trafford and the Swedish striker seemed to retaliate moments later by elbowing the defender in the head. Neither player was dismissed by referee Kevin Friend during the game.
If Ibrahimovic is found guilty, he faces a three-match ban. On the other hand, Mings would receive a longer ban because stamping is considered a more serious offence.
“Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Tyrone Mings have both been charged with alleged violent conduct following the Manchester United versus AFC Bournemouth game on Saturday,” Sport24 quoted FA as saying in a statement.
“The players were involved in two separate incidents in or around the 44th minute which were not seen by the match officials at the time but caught on video.”
“Furthermore, the FA has submitted a claim that the standard punishment that would otherwise apply for the misconduct committed by the Bournemouth defender is ‘clearly insufficient’,” it added.
Ibrahimovic, while speaking to Match referee Kevin Friend, had denied deliberately elbowing Mings, and said it was not his intention to hurt someone.
“I jump up and jump high and he jumps into my elbow. It is not my intention to hurt someone.”
On the other hand, the Bournemouth defender said he had not intentionally stamped on Ibrahimovic’s head.
“I would never do that. That’s not in my game,” he said. “Hard and fair is how I like to tackle, but off-the-ball stuff like that isn’t part of my game.”
The two players have to file their response to the charges by Tuesday. (ANI)