Zlatan Ibrahimovic fined for embellishment

Friday the MLS Disciplinary Committee handed LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic an undisclosed fine for simulation and/or embellishment. On May 8th during the 23rd minute of LA’s defeat to the Columbus Crew, Ibra clawed his way to a loose ball in the box and was ruled to have embellished contact in the box in an attempt to draw a penalty kick.

It’s a somewhat controversial call, after all Zlatan does get to the ball first before falling over goalkeeper Zack Steffen. The inconsistency of the fine must be called into question as well: Zlatan, despite acting on good intentions, entered an opposing team’s locker room following LA’s victory over Real Salt Lake and avoided punishment, so the decision to penalize Ibra is a bit puzzling. Though as the highest paid player in the league, we’re pretty sure Zlatan can afford the fine.

Ibra and the Galaxy take on NYCFC Saturday at 1 PT on ESPN.