Paris St. Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was sent off last weekend for a high-footed challenge on St. Etienne keeper Stephane Ruffier, has seen hissuspension extended to two games by the French league’s disciplinary committee. Ibrahimovic, who is Ligue 1’s top scorer so far this season with 10 goals, was shown a straight red card forthe challenge, which you can see here. Four minutes after his dismissal, St. Etienne scored the go-ahead goal to win the game, 2-1.
“It was not my intention to hurt the goalkeeper,” the 31-year-old said after the game. “I looked at the ball and when I saw the goalkeeper, it was too late. Everything happened very quickly. This isa foot in the air, so it gives the impression of being a violent action, but people who know me know that I don’t try to hurt anyone.”
Ibra’s ban means he will miss thisweekend’s trip to defending champion Montpellier as well as the home game against Rennes on Nov. 17.