Ancelotti fumes over Ibrahimovic dismissal

PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti has vented his frustration at a late red card for Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their Champions League win over Valencia.

PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti has vented his frustration at a late red card for Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their Champions League win over Valencia.

Goals from Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Pastore had put the visiting Ligue 1 team in a commanding lead, but a stoppage-time strike from Adil Rami and the dismissal of the Sweden striker gave the home side hope ahead of the second leg.

Ibrahimovic was given his marching orders after a studs-up tackle on Valencia fullback Andres Guardado.

“I did not understand it,” Ancelotti said after the match.

“He was out on the wing, he made a tackle and he did not deserve to be sent off. That’s football.”

He added: “I think it was a normal tackle, nothing special, I was surprised to see a red card.”

The Italian boss also admitted that his side could not afford to fall victim to complacency when Valencia visit Parc des Princes in the second leg of their last-16 tie.

“Valencia are a good team and we have to know that we have played just the first half of this game, and we have to play the second half at home,” he said.

“It will be better for us, but we have to pay attention.”

PSG defender Mamadou Sakho echoed Ancelotti’s disappointment, but stressed that the night should still be remembered for all the right reasons.

“We’re disappointed to concede a goal, especially at the end of the game,” Sakho said.

“But overall, it’s a good result. To come here and win is very good after all.

“With Ibrahimovic, it is known that with his character, he may release a small gesture like that. But we must especially remember the victory.”

The Ligue 1 club’s director Leonardo also gave his view on the late dismissal of Ibrahimovic and suggested the red card was as a result of a pre-meditated view of his character on behalf of officials.

“Ibrahimovic’s red card was a bit severe,” the Brazilian told beIN Sport.

“It was because of his reputation.”