Daily Star Sunday

IBRA GETS EL-BLOW Zlatan’s facing three-game ban

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Wall. His team-mates also call him by another nickname – K2.

That is based on his name and the fact it is the second highest mountain in the world in reference to his stature.

Koulibaly, 25 (left) is under contract MAN UNITED striker Zlatan Ibrahimovi­c is facing an investigat­ion by the FA which could lead to a three-match ban.

The Swede elbowed Bournemout­h defender Tyrone Mings, who could be in trouble himself for appearing to stamp on Ibrahimovi­c.

Referee Kevin Friend did not punish either player for those incidents but a probe into those flashpoint­s in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford looks certain.

Ibrahimovi­c said: “Listen, what PAUL HETHERINGT­ON Man United 1 Bournemout­h 1 happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. I jumped high and he jumped into my elbow.”

Mings, responding to the accusation of stamping, said: “Not at all – I’d never do that. It’s not in my game.

“Zlatan is who he is. He’s a physical player. It was a battle. Maybe it was an elbow from him.”

United skipper Wayne Rooney said: “I don’t think the referee saw Mings stamp on Zlatan’s head, but it’s wrong.

“If you try to stamp on a player’s head it’s wrong. I’m sure it will be punished.”

But on Ibra’s elbow, Rooney added: “I think both players were going for the ball.”

United boss Jose Mourinho, however, tried to play down the events.

The Old Trafford chief said: “I don’t want to comment. I comment on the game of football and Kevin Friend was very good.

“The two penalties he gave were two clear penalties. I think the right word to use about the incidents is altercatio­n.

“Mings knows what he did. He knows better than the referee in terms of his intention.

“Zlatan is a big man like me. We come from a culture of street football. We are not ones to run to the media.”

MATCH REPORT: RESULT! P4-5

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