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French league to investigate Ibrahimovic's anti-France rant

Xinhua, March 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

The French Ligue 1's governing body announced on Monday to discuss later this week Zlatan Ibrahimovic's rant against France after Paris Saint-Germain's defeat away to Bordeaux.

The Progessional Football League (LFP) has set up on Thursday when its disciplinary committee will meet and study the case before ruling on Ibrahimovic's "insulting" comments on Sunday.

The League has also confirmed Monday that officials had sent a supplementary report on the stage.

"In 15 years, I have never seen such a referee. In this shit country..." said the Swede while walking towards the changing rooms following his side's Ligue 1 defeat (3-2) to Bordeaux.

"The country does not deserve the PSG. We are too good for them," said the 33-year-old who's lost his temper after scoring two goals but not able to save his side from losing.

His foul-mouthed rant against France was heard and captured in footage by TV channel Canal Plus. The clip was posted online and soon went viral.

"Ibrahimovic's disappointment does not justify his offensive remarks towards the referee and the country. He has to apologize," tweeted the French Sport Minister Patrick Kanner.

Later on Friday, the Swedish striker issued an apology through the PSG's website, saying that "I want to clarify that my words tonight were not directed against France or French people."

"I was speaking purely in terms of football," read his clarification. "I lost the game, I accept that, but I can't accept it when the referee doesn't follow the rules. It's not the first time."

He also claimed to have expressed the scope of nervousness. "Everyone knows that at that time, words can exceed thinking," he said. "I apologize if people have felt offended." Endi