Zlatan Ibrahimovic: When Former Barcelona, Manchester United Star Was Sent Off for Slapping Opponent

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: When Former Barcelona, Manchester United Star Was Sent Off for Slapping Opponent

Martin Moses
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:24 PM
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Z. Ibrahimović
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  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic was once shown a red card after he slapped an opponent during an MLS game
  • The striker is known for his confrontational and bullish attitude on the pitch
  • He spent one season in America before rejoining AC Milan where he has since won the Serie A

Zlatan Ibrahimovic remains one of the most travelled strikers in the world. His longevity has seen him play for 10 clubs in two different continents.

Despite his inability to win the Champions League, his record as one of the most lethal finishers in the world remains. It's not often that a striker goes to the Major League Soccer and returns to Europe and keeps on scoring goals.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Manchester United, LA Galaxy, Barcelona, AC Milan, Michael Petrasso
Zlatan Ibrahimovic played for LA Galaxy between 2018 and 2019. Photo by Icon Sportswire.
Source: Getty Images

Besides his goalscoring prowess, the Swede is also known for his no-nonsense nature. From tough-talking interviews to his bullish nature aided by a gigantic frame on the pitch, his opponents rarely want to get on his bad side.

Michael Petrasso unknowingly wronged the tall striker and paid the full price. The incident happened on 21st May 2018 during Ibrahimovic's time at LA Galaxy.

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He was in action for his side against Petrasso's Montreal Impact. While man-marking Ibrahimovic, Petrasso stepped on the then 36-year-old who reacted by slapping him on his head.

Both players fell on the ground grimacing in pain as the referee Ismail Elfath made his way to the VAR booth.

Ibrahimovic was sent off while Petrasso was only booked for his role in the incident. LA Galaxy won the game 1-0 as reported by the Guardian.

Ibrahimovic slams Argentina players

Sports Brief also reported that Ibrahimovic has openly called out Emiliano Martinez and other members of Argentina's World Cup-winning squad.

The veteran striker slammed the reigning world champions for their controversial conduct after beating France on penalties to win its first Mundial since 1986.

Players of La Albiceleste, particularly goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez churned out offensive gestures, obscene acts with his Golden Glove award before casting shade at Mbappe on multiple occasions. His actions drew widespread criticism and has also forced FIFA to look into the aftermath of Argentina's World Cup win.

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Martin Moses photo
Martin Moses
Martin Moses is a sports journalist with over five years of experience in media. He graduated from Multimedia University of Kenya (Bachelor of Journalism, 2017-2021)
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