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Any allegations that Zlatan Ibrahimovic may have used racist language against Romelu Lukaku were squashed by Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
During last night’s Coppa Italia quarter-final, there was definitely plenty of drama as Ibra and Lukaku clashed just before half time, with the pair exchanging plenty of insults. A provocative remark was made by the Swede, but a clever one relating to Lukaku’s history, and never xenophobic.
“Paul Pogba jumped on Twitter to the defense of his former team-mate, saying: “Zlatan… racist? He loves me so much to be the last guy I can think of as a bigot! Come on, don’t joke about it! “Said he.
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However the main talking point after the match was theclash between the two former Manchester United forwards, which resulted in both players being shown a yellow card by referee Paolo Valeri.
Ibrahimovic can reportedly be heard saying: “Go do your voodoo sh*t, you little donkey. Go do your voodoo sh*t. Call your mother!” Lukaku can then be heard responding: “Well, let’s go inside you b*tch. We will see.”
According toFootball Italia, Ibra’s “voodoo” comments were related to a suggestion made in the past byEvertonowner Farhad Moshiri.
In 2018, representatives for Lukaku denied that the player’s decision to reject a new contract withEvertonhad anything to do with “voodoo,” following a suggestion by Mr Moshiri at an Everton AGM.
The Swede’s words have been called racist by some, prompting him todeny the claims with a post on social media.
“In Zlatan’s world there is no place for racism! We are all the same race – we are all equal! We are players. Some better than others,”the Swede posted.
Pogba has also leapt to his former team-mate’s defence with a post of his own on Twitter.
“Zlatan… racist? He loves me too much so he’s the last person I’d think of as racist! Come on, don’t joke with that one!”the France star said.
Following Tuesday’s match, AC Milan head coachStefano Pioli said Ibrahimovic “apologised to the dressing room”for the clash with Lukaku and the sending off.
Inter’s victory saw them progress to the semi-finals of the Italian domestic cup competition, where they will face Juventus.