Back to the Premier League Newsfeed

'His only focus was on the ball' - Howe defends gentle giant Mings over Ibrahimovic stamp

The defender has been unfairly misrepresented as a viscous player, with his boss stating he never intended to cause harm to the Manchester United star

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe defended Tyrone Mings after he was handed a five-match ban for appearing to stamp on Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's head.

The incident occurred during last Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw between the sides, but was not punished by referee Kevin Friend at the time.

Ibrahimovic will serve a three-match ban after appearing to elbow Mings shortly after the alleged stamp, but Howe insisted the defender had not deliberately set out to hurt the veteran Swede.