As a result of this decision, Ibrahimovic will not be available for Paris Saint-Germain’s matches against Rennes on November 17 (13th Ligue 1 day) and against Montpellier on November 11. He will be eligible to join his teammates back on the field on November 24 against Troyes.
Ibrahimovic expressed his perspective on the incident, stating that it wasn’t his intention to harm the opposing goalkeeper. He explained that he had his eye on the ball, and when he saw the goalkeeper, it was too late. He hoped for a more lenient decision, emphasizing that he was not trying to cause harm.
The severity of the suspension might have been influenced by the absence of a perceived intention to harm. According to Pascal Garibian, former arbitrator and president of the disciplinary committee, Ibrahimovic was sanctioned for a gross fault, defined as a fault that endangers the physical integrity of the opponent. The absence of a desire to injure the adversary was considered, preventing it from being classified as willful brutality, which would have resulted in a different sanction.