Zlatan Ibrahimovic Elbow, Tyrone Mings Stamp Discussed by Ex-Referee Graham Poll

Former Premier League referee Graham Poll believes both Tyrone Mings' stamp on Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the Swede's subsequent elbow of the Bournemouth defender were deliberate, describing the latter as "inconceivable" that it could have been accidental.

During Manchester United's fiery 1-1 draw with the Cherries on Saturday, Mings appeared to stamp on the striker's head, and minutes later, Ibrahimovic caught Mings in the face with an elbow as they tussled for a corner, but both escaped punishment during the match.

Poll wrote in his column for the Daily Mail that Mings did not attempt to avoid Ibrahimovic while jumping over him: "Mings looks at Ibrahimovic on the ground so he knows where he is. His foot then comes down hard, and Mings does not appear shocked when he makes contact. I believe it was a deliberate stamp."

MailOnline Sport shared a picture of the incident:

Likewise, Poll believes the Red Devils frontman intentionally elbowed the Bournemouth player:

"

Referees look for the assailant to 'seek out' their opponent, which Ibrahimovic does. To gauge the severity of an elbow incident, you look at the fist, which Zlatan had clenched. 

When jumping and using arms for leverage, you have an open palm. If you want power through your elbow, you clench your fist. It is inconceivable that Ibrahimovic's elbow was not deliberate. 

"

Per Sky Football, Mings denied deliberately stamping on his opponent and played down the elbow:

According to Sky Sports' James Dale, Ibrahimovic did the same as he "didn't even know he stamped on my head in that moment," while he said Mings jumped into his elbow. 

United legend and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville fully agreed with Poll, while colleague Matt Le Tissier believes there could be some doubt as to the first incident:

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker entirely disagreed in regards to Mings' apparent Stamp:

According to Poll, both incidents are set to be reviewed by the FA's disciplinary panel.

Each player would likely face a three-match ban if the review agrees with Poll's assessment, though former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur player Graham Roberts believes both deserve a longer suspension:

If Ibrahimovic is banned for three games, he'll miss United's FA Cup quarter-final at Chelsea as well as Premier League games away at Middlesbrough and at home to West Bromwich Albion.

The Swede would be a big loss, as the Red Devils are far less potent going forward without him in the team and on form.

As for Mings, the same ban would see him suspended for home matches against West Ham United and Swansea City, as well as a trip to Southampton.