Zlatan Ibrahimovic told to leave France if he thinks it is a 's*** country' by Front National leader Marine Le Pen
The mercurial Swede made the disparaging comments on Sunday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been told to leave France by Front National leader Marine Le Pen after his comments following PSG's 3-2 loss at Bordeaux, when he was heard saying France was a "s*** country".
Picked up by broadcasters Canal+ TV, the Swedish striker said in English after the game: "In 15 years I've never seen a [good] referee in this s*** country ... they don't even deserve PSG."
The French football league have since launched an inquiry into the remark, and Ibrahimovic has apologised but Le Pen hit back on French radio today: "Those who consider that France is a s*** country can leave it."
Jerome Guedj from the Socialist party described the remarks as “unacceptable” and added: “Let him play football and shut up, or at least be respectful of this country, the football supporters who were also insulted.”
French sports minister Patrick Kanner called on the 33-year-old Swede to apologise, telling him "disappointment did not justify his offensive comments".
He later called Ibrahimovic a "great champion" after the player wrote on his Instagram account: "Regarding my comments after tonight's game; they were not against France or the French people.
"I spoke about football. I lost the game, I accept that but I can't accept when the referee doesn't follow the rules. It's not the first time and I'm sick of it.
"My sincere apologies if anyone was offended or took it the wrong way."
Ibrahimovic's outburst comes less than a week after he accused Chelsea's players of acting like "babies" after he was sent off in his side's Champions League victory over the Blues.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments