Ibrahimovic banned 3 games for insulting linesman

Forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been banned for three of AC Milan's six remaining Serie A matches this season for insulting a linesman.

The incident occurred in the 87th minute of Milan's 2-1 win over Fiorentina on Sunday, drawing a red card for the Sweden international.

''I was only angry with myself,'' Ibrahimovic said. ''If I offended anyone I'm sorry.''

Part of the ban imposed Monday was due to accumulated cards, as Ibrahimovic was returning from a two-match ban for punching a defender in the stomach last month. That ban was reduced from three to two matches on appeal and Milan said it will also appeal this ban.

Ibrahimovic has appeared frustrated since a large heap of the blame for Milan's elimination by Tottenham in the last 16 of the Champions League last month was placed on his inability to score.

''I didn't want to hurt the squad and if they're upset with me they have reason to be,'' Ibrahimovic said.

Milan has a three-point lead over Napoli at the top of the table, with five-time defending champion Inter Milan a further two points back.

Ibrahimovic will miss matches against Sampdoria, Brescia and Bologna.