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FOOTBALL

Zlatan not expecting repeat of ‘crazy’ debut

Zlatan Ibrahimovic warned Los Angeles Galaxy fans on Friday not to expect a repeat of his remarkable debut as he prepares to face in-form Sporting Kansas City this weekend.

Zlatan not expecting repeat of 'crazy' debut
Zlatan Ibrahimovic from LA Galaxy celebrates after scoring against LAFC during his first Major League Soccer (MLS) game last week. PHOTO: MARK RALSTON / AFP
The Swedish superstar made a sensational start to his Major League Soccer career last week, scoring twice after coming on as a substitute in the Galaxy's 4-3 comeback win over Los Angeles FC at the StubHub Center.
 
The 36-year-old striker's brace included a spectacular 35-yard volleyed equaliser before an injury-time winner as the Galaxy overturned a 3-0 deficit to take all three points.
 
But Ibrahimovic cautioned fans against expecting another roller coaster when the Galaxy entertain Western Conference leaders Kansas City on Sunday.
 
“Crazy game like that again? I hope not,” Ibrahimovic said.
 
“I hope we can control the game better, more, and play under control. Let's see. I try to do my best every game and I try to help teammates and win the game. I don't expect crazy things every game. I'll try, but it's not often it goes in, so please.”
 
Ibrahimovic, who joined the Galaxy from Manchester United on a two-year deal last month, said he had already put last weekend's fairytale debut behind him.
 
“The last game is already passed by, and now it's a new game on Sunday,” he said.
 
“So let's focus on that game, not focus on the last game. Bring the positive from the last game and make better for the negative things.”

RACISM

VIDEO: Spain’s La Liga reviews video of boy racially abusing Vinicius

Spain's La Liga on Monday said it was reviewing a video of a child making racist insults towards Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during the 2-2 draw with Valencia at the weekend.

VIDEO: Spain's La Liga reviews video of boy racially abusing Vinicius

“We’re in the process of studying and analysing the facts from a legal standpoint to see what we can and should do,” La Liga sources said.

In a video published by a journalist for ESPN Brasil, and picked up by Spanish media, a boy sitting in a woman’s lap can be heard calling Vinicius a “monkey”.

The Brazilian scored twice for Madrid as his team recovered from two goals down at Mestalla on Saturday.

Vinicius raised his fist in a “Black Power” salute after the first of his two goals at a ground where he was racially abused last season. Valencia subsequently banned three people from the stadium for life.

The 23-year-old has become a symbol of the fight against discrimination in Spanish football after suffering racist abuse on many occasions, and he was jeered repeatedly by home supporters on Saturday.

Jude Bellingham was sent off after the final whistle against Valencia for protesting after the referee blew the final whistle right before the England midfielder headed home what he thought was the winning goal.

READ ALSO: Football star Vinicius highlights racist behaviour from Spanish fans

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