Home » GdS: Ibrahimovic’s sending off remains a mystery – what the referee told him
Parma, Italy, 10th April 2021. Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan reacts as he leaves the field of play after being shown a red card by the referee Fabio Maresca during the Serie A match at Stadio Ennio Tardini, Parma. Picture credit should read: Jonathan Moscrop / Sportimage PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK SPI-0993-0099

GdS: Ibrahimovic’s sending off remains a mystery – what the referee told him

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was behind Milan’s first two goals in the game against Parma last night, assisting the first and helping set up the other. However, his performance was tainted by a red card in the second half. 

Upon closer inspection though, with the help of TV images, the sending off remains a mystery and that was highlighted by Gazzetta Dello Sport (via MilanNews) this morning. The striker shouldn’t have been sent off, but a yellow was warranted.


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Ibrahimovic will be suspended for at least one game but everything will depend on the report of referee Fabio Maresca, who seemingly misunderstood the striker. The 39-year-old denied insulting the referee, as was confirmed by Stefano Pioli.

During an argument between the two, Maresca allegedly said: “I don’t care what you say”. To which, Ibrahimovic replied: “It seems strange to me that you don’t care what I say”. Instead of ‘sembra strano’, the referee heard ‘sei un bastardo’, which would have warranted a red card.

READ MORE: Milan and Pioli shine in another strong away outing – must improve at home

Tags AC Milan Parma Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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