Tyron Mings told fans on Twitter that he is 'extremely disappointed'after being handed a hefty 5-match ban by the FA for violent conduct following an incident which saw him appear to stampon the head of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Bournemouth's 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Ibrahimovic picked up a three-game ban of his own for swinging an elbow at Mings' head later in the game.
Zlatan & Mings have been charged with violent conduct, after Zlatan headbutted Mings' foot, followed by Mings' headbutting Zlatan's elbow.
I don't understand how there is a debate on the "intent" of Mings Stamp. He 100% meant to do it. Just as Zlatan meant to elbow him
In a statement posted on Twitter on Friday morning, Mingsprotested his innocence - insisting that the alleged stamp was accidental.
"I am extremely disappointed at the FA's decision to ban me for five matches, following what was an accidental collision with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.At no time was there any intentional stamp or a movement to suggest that.
"My foot did not change course and at no point did I try and move my foot towards his head. My only focus was to get back in and defend, conduct like that is not part of my game.
My thoughts on the situation, thank you. pic.twitter.com/tBSXg4x0DS
"So for people to deem that I could intentionally stamp on a fellow professional's head is upsetting.
"It is an action that would not be acceptable in any walk of life, let alone on a football pitch, and one that would never cross my mind.
"I would like to thank AFC Bournemouth and all the club's fans for their unwavering support this week. I can't wait to get back to playing again and help the team retain our Premier League status for another season."
So Mings denies he intended to step on Zlatan, and Zlatan denies that he intended to elbow Mings in the head. pic.twitter.com/xPsaqcEuFG