‘He loves me an excessive amount of’: Pogba says Zlatan isn’t racist after storm over ‘voodoo’ jibe to Lukaku

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Paul Pogba has come out in assist of Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the Swede was accused of racism for referencing “voodoo” in a bust-up with former Manchester United teammate Romelu Lukaku.

Tempers flared between Ibrahimovic and Lukaku as they lined up on reverse sides when AC Milan met metropolis rivals Inter within the Coppa Italia quarterfinal on the San Siro on Tuesday night time.

The 2 forwards exchanged phrases on the finish of the primary half earlier than coming collectively to butt heads.

After Lukaku reportedly threatened Ibrahimovic that he would “see him inside,” the Swede was heard taunting Lukaku with the phrase “name you mom” and “go and do your voodoo,” additionally supposedly labeling him a “little donkey.”

The row continued because the gamers went off towards the tunnel, with Lukaku yelling “f*ck you and your spouse” on the AC Milan ahead.

Ibrahimovic’s “voodoo” jibe was taken as a reference to claims made in 2018 by Everton shareholder Farhad Moshiri that Lukaku – who was previously a participant on the membership – had consulted a witchdoctor to assist determine on his subsequent transfer away from the Merseyside membership.

Lukaku denied the claims and later threatened to take authorized motion towards Moshiri.

After Ibrahimovic revived reminiscences of the row along with his feedback towards Lukaku, he was accused in some quarters of racism.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku clashed during the Coppa Italia quarterfinal. © Reuters
Zlat’s the top of it? Ibrahimovic responds after being accused of ‘racism’ in livid ‘voodoo’ row with Lukaku

The Swede himself took to social media on Wednesday to disclaim any racist intent, and has now been backed by one other former Manchester United teammate within the type of French midfield star Pogba.

“Zlatan… racist? He loves me an excessive amount of so he’s the final individual I’d consider as racist! Come on, don’t joke with that one!” Pogba tweeted to his eight.2 million followers.

Ibrahimovic has been defended by some followers over the remarks, however some picked up on the truth that Pogba and the Swede share the identical agent, Mino Raiola.

Others claimed there was flawed logic within the Frenchman’s defence of his former teammate. 

Lukaku, 27, joined United in 2017 when Ibrahimovic and Pogba had been each already on the membership, and the Belgian performed slightly below a season with the Swede earlier than he left for LA Galaxy.

Each at the moment are in Milan on reverse sides of town’s footballing divide, which has prompted tensions between the pair.

After Lukaku tweeted there was “a brand new king on the town” in a dig at Ibrahimovic in February of final 12 months after Inter received a derby conflict, the veteran Swede later responded with the jibe “Milan by no means had a king, they’ve a God” after gaining revenge in the identical fixture in October.

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AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic (right) won the derby and taunted Inter's Romelu Lukaku on Instagram © Wolfgang Rattay / Reuters | © Daniele Mascolo / Reuters
‘Milan NEVER had a king’: Zlatan declares he is GOD in assault on ace Lukaku after recovering from coronavirus for Italian derby win

Tuesday’s fractious affair noticed each gamers get on the scoresheet.

Ibrahimovic scored a first-half opener for AC Milan however then noticed crimson for a second yellow card on 58 minutes, turning the tide in Inter’s favor.

Lukaku equalized from the penalty spot within the 71st minute earlier than Christian Eriksen curled in an outstanding free-kick winner deep into harm time, handing Inter – and Lukaku – the bragging rights.

The groups subsequent meet in Serie A on February 21 as each are in sturdy competition for Scudetto glory. AC Milan are at present high of the desk, two factors forward of their metropolis rivals.