PSG suspends Aurier for slurs directed at Blanc, Ibrahimovic
Ivorian full-back Serge Aurier has been suspended by Paris Saint-Germain a day after a video surfaced of the 23-year-old making homophobic comments about manager Laurent Blanc and star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The video, which was posted on broadcasting app Periscope, features Aurier answering questions from a friend and referring to Blanc as a "faggot."
Related: Aurier in hot water after directing homophobic insult at Blanc on Periscope
Asked whether "Blanc sucks off Zlatan (Ibrahimovic)," Aurier responded, "Yes, he takes everything, even his balls."
The right-back, who rose to prominence following a breakthrough performance at the 2014 World Cup, added that PSG playmaker Angel Di Maria is a "clown" and second-choice 'keeper Salvatore Sirigu's career is "done."
Speaking with beIN Sport on Sunday, Aurier showed remorse for his daft and insensitive remarks.
"I've made a big mistake, and am here to apologize to the manager, the club, my teammates and the supporters, because today they are the most important," he said. "I particularly want to apologize to the manager, and thank him for all he has done since my arrival in Paris."
Aurier added, "I accept all the penalties that the club will place on me, as I've made an unforgivable mistake and am ready to bear all of the consequences."
PSG released a statement on its website Sunday, announcing Aurier has been suspended and will miss out on the capital club's Champions League match against Chelsea on Tuesday.
"Paris Saint-Germain wishes to express its full support for its coach, Laurent Blanc, and the players who have been offended by the remarks which contradict the club's values," the statement reads.
It also quotes club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who said:
"I made the decision to suspend Serge Aurier. Paris Saint-Germain is a very strong institution that no one person can touch.
"I will not let anybody embarrass the club and distract us from our goals, starting with our highly-anticipated fixture against Chelsea. All the efforts of the club, the players and the manager are solely focused on this match, which is a priority for us and our fans."