Ibrahimovic banned for four games for anti-France tirade

The Swedish striker described his adopted nation as "a s**t country" during a foul-mouthed rant at officials

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been hit with a four-game ban for his anti-France tirade following Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 loss at Bordeaux last month.

The Sweden international was caught on camera verbally abusing referee Lionel Jaffredo after the 3-2 defeat and caused huge controversy by labelling France "a s**t country" that was not worthy of his talent.

Indeed, Ibrahimovic was roundly criticised for his outburst, with even his adopted nation's Prime Minister weighing into the argument.

The 33-year-old apologised for his comments and argued that he would not have signed a new contract with PSG if that was the way he felt about France.

However, the LFP has nonetheless decided to ban Ibrahimovic for four games, meaning he will miss the Ligue 1 champions' upcoming clashes with Nice, Lille, Metz and Nantes.

The ruling is a major blow for PSG, given the outspoken attacker had announced his return to his very best form with a hat-trick in Wednesday's Coupe de France rout of Saint-Etienne.

The capital club are also just one point clear of Lyon at the top of Ligue 1, with just seven rounds of the season remaining, only three of which Ibrahimovic will now be eligible for.

Gallingly for Ibrahimovic, he will also have to sit out PSG's Champions League quarter-final, first-leg clash with Barcelona next week through suspension, after being sent off in their previous fixture against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

However, the former Barcelona man will be able to lead the PSG attack in Saturday's Coupe de la Ligue final against Bastia.