Man Utd star Paul Pogba defends Zlatan Ibrahimovic amid Romelu Lukaku feud in Milan derby

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Paul Pogba has jumped to the defence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the Swede denied allegations of racism towards Romelu Lukaku. The two strikers went head-to-head in fiery scenes before half-time in yesterday’s Milan derby in the Coppa Italia.

Tensions then boiled over once again at the break as Lukaku went for Ibrahimovic.

Before the half-time whistle came, the AC Milan forward could be heard telling Lukaku to “go do your voodoo s***, you little donkey.”

Lukaku then fired back with some words that cannot be repeated.

Both were given a yellow card for their troubles and the situation was defused at the interval.

Ibrahimovic has since posted an anti-racism message on his social media channels, defending himself against allegations from supporters.

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He wrote: “In ZLATAN’s world there is no place for RACISM.

“We are all the same race – we are all equal!! We are all PLAYERS some better then others.”

Now Pogba, who is friends with both strikers, has jumped to the defence of Ibrahimovic and posted on Twitter: “Zlatan… racist? He loves me too much so he’s the last person I’d think of as racist! Come on, don’t joke with that one!”

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli confirmed Ibrahimovic apologised for his actions, after being shown a second yellow card after the break.

“[Ibrahimovic] apologised like the great champion he is,” Pioli said.

“He got a bit caught up in the desire to help the team.”

Ibrahimovic had given Milan the lead in the first half when he fired in a low drive off the post.

Inter responded well in the second half with Lukaku on a one-man mission to settle the score with Ibrahimovic.

He converted in off the bar from the penalty spot after the 39-year-old received his marching orders.

Former Tottenham man Christian Eriksen then won the game for Inter in the dying embers, scoring a sensation free-kick from 25-yards up and over the wall.

After the game, Antonio Conte insisted that the Dane will stay at the San Siro for the rest of the season.

Eriksen has been linked with a move back to the Premier League after being offered around to Tottenham, Leicester and Manchester United.

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