Calls mounted Monday for action against Paris Saint-Germain’s temperamental star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic over comments he made about his host country which one French minister called “insulting”.
Far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen said that Ibrahimovic, who apologised within hours of his outburst after Paris lost 3-2 at Bordeaux, should leave France
The Swedish striker, who was controversially sent off in the Champions League game against Chelsea last week, had scored twice to twice level the game.
But he stormed off the pitch and said in front of television cameras: “In 15 years, I have never seen such a referee. In this shit country, this country does not deserve PSG. We are too good for this country.”
The 33-year-old Swedish international backed down after France’s Sports Minister Patrick Jenner called the remarks “insulting.” Jenner later welcomed Ibrahimovic’s apology however.
“I would like to apologise if anyone felt offended. I want to make it clear that my remarks were not directed at France or the French. I was talking about football, I lost the match and I accept that but I don’t accept when the referee does not follow the rules.
“I expressed myself when I was upset and everyone knows that in these moments, the words surpass the meaning.” Ibrahimovic said in a statement.
Jenner said it was the statement of “a great champion” but the apology did not calm the controversy.
“Those who consider that France is a shit country can leave it,” Le Pen told the France Info radio station.
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