Football
Associated Press 9y

Zlatan Ibrahimovic 'provocations' slammed by Lyon coach

PARIS -- Lyon coach Hubert Fournier has criticised the behavior of Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, saying he has a nasty habit of insulting referees in English or Italian.

French league leaders Lyon host PSG on Sunday in a big game for the Ligue 1 title, while Ibrahimovic is returning to form after recovering from a nagging heel injury.

However, Fournier thinks referee Clement Turpin should brace himself for a difficult time dealing with the notoriously fiery Ibrahimovic, who has won league titles with Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Ajax, Juventus, and two-time defending champions PSG.

"The person who is going to be most provoked is rather Mr. Turpin, like all the referees in this league who get insulted by this person," Fournier said on Friday at a pre-match news conference.

"Apparently, the referees are not bilingual or trilingual, so they don't understand. In a way, it's better to speak Italian or English to insult referees."

The game could be a turning point in the season, and opposes Lyon's tight unit of largely homegrown players with the expensive signings of a PSG side sometimes found wanting for team spirit.

Fournier has warned his players to keep their composure and to stay respectful.

"I don't want (our team) to provoke, I don't want us to insult the officials," he said. "I hope we remember not to fall for Zlatan's provocations."

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