Paul McGrath has delivered a damning verdict of the acts of Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings after a clash, or numerous clashes, with Man Utd striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The main talking point of Saturday afternoon's match was an incident that on second viewing was absolutely bottled by referee Kevin Friend. While Zlatan's response with a not-so-subtle elbow was clear as day, the intent of Mings' act has been debated since it occurred.
One man who has made it very clear where he stands on the matter is former Manchester United and Ireland defender Paul McGrath. Writing in his column for the SundayWorld.com [via Independent.ie], McGrath labelled Mings' actions shameful and cowardly.
I was shocked by what we all witnessed at Old Trafford on Saturday - and Tyrone Mings should hang his head in shame for one of the most cowardly acts I have seen on a football pitch in many a year.
I know what it is like to be a defender who gets wound up by a big striker, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic bullying Mings in a feisty first half duel between the duo. Clearly Zlatan had infuriated Mings with some of his antics and it was clear that the referee was a bit intimidated by the United striker as he allowed him to get away with a few incidents before everything exploded on the stroke of half-time.
There is no doubt in my mind that Mings deliberately tried to stamp on Ibrahimovic when he was on the ground. He looked at him and seemed to go for a stamp. It was horrible to see and just imagine what might have happened if he had connected with the side of his skull. It doesn’t bear thinking about.
McGrath then recalled an incident from his own career where Mark Bright caught him with his studs just under his eye. Blood was drawn and the Ireland man was on the verge of punching his opponent only for a teammate to convince him to reconsider.
In that instance, McGreath put the team ahead of himself but Zlatan's act of retribution will see his team have to cope without him for a number of Premier League games, although McGrath was eager to mention Mings one last time in giving his verdict.
So while I sympathise with Ibrahimovic elbowing Mings moments after that horrendous stamp brushed past his ear, he was lucky not to get a red card for that incident too.
Now I would expect the Football Association to hand both of them bans in the coming days, with Mings fully deserving everything he gets in my eyes.
McGrath's reaction is along the same line as that of Wayne Rooney, who gave his view that 'it's wrong in football' immediately after the final whistle. We await news on the punishment handed down to both players.
