By Oyinlola Awonuga Balogun (The New Diplomat’s Entertainment, Fashion and Sports Desk)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic clashed with former Manchester United team-mate Romelu Lukaku during a heated Milan derby in the Italian Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.
AC Milan’s Ibrahimovic and Inter’s Lukaku were both booked following a spat at the end of the first half, which continued into the tunnel during the interval.
The pair could be seen – and heard on television due to the San Siro being empty – exchanging insults as Lukaku had to be restrained by his team-mates as he attempted to confront the Swedish forward.
According to reports, Lukaku also appeared to have said: “f*** you and your wife” in the Swede’s direction, and Ibrahimovic seemingly referred to Lukaku as a “little donkey.”
The quarrel continued after the referee showed both players the yellow card and blew the whistle for half-
However, Ibrahimovic was later sent off the pitch for receiving a second booking.
In the 58th minute, he received a second yellow card for a challenge on Inter defender Aleksandar Kolarov and was sent off in an incident that did not involve Lukaku.
AC Milan had taken the lead through Ibrahimovic, who fired home in the 31st minute to open the scoring at San Siro.
Romelu Lukaku went on to draw Inter Milan level from the penalty kick spot.
The match referee exited with a pulled muscle and was replaced by the fourth official with 10 minutes left before substitute Christian Eriksen curled in the winning goal in stoppage time.
The Coppa Italia clash came with the sides also fighting at the top of the Serie A table, with AC Milan two points clear of second-placed Inter at the halfway stage of the season.
The other three quarter-final ties are to follow on Wednesday and Thursday, with fellow Serie A title contenders Juventus, Napoli, Atalanta and Lazio all still in the competition.
