Zlatan Ibrahimovic: PSG striker 'abuses referees in English'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic abuses French referees in either English or Italian so they cannot understand his insults, claims Lyon coach Hubert Fournier.

Fournier made the accusation ahead of Sunday's Ligue 1 match between leaders Lyon and third-placed Paris St-Germain.

"All the referees in this league get insulted by this person," he said.

"The referees are not bilingual or trilingual, so they don't understand. In a way, it's better to speak Italian or English to insult referees."

Lyon are two points clear of second-placed Marseille and defending champions PSG following an eight-match unbeaten run.

But Fournier has warned his players - and referee Clement Turpin - to maintain their composure if put under pressure by Swede Ibrahimovic.

"The person who is going to be most provoked is Mr Turpin," added 47-year-old Fournier.

"I don't want my team to provoke, I don't want us to insult the officials. I hope we remember not to fall for Zlatan's provocations."

PSG, who have won back-to-back titles, travel to Lyon after winning their last six matches in all competitions.