Friday Jul 07 2006 17:38
Torsten Frings has attacked FIFA for their decision to suspend him for Germany's World Cup semi-final against Italy.
The midfielder was one of the hosts' most effective players in the early stages of the tournament, but missed the 2-0 defeat by the Azzurri after being banned for his part in the altercation that followed the penalty shootout success against Argentina in the quarter-finals.
Pictures uncovered by the Italian media showed Frings aiming a punch at Argentina striker Julio Cruz during the on-field melee, but he does not accept that the suspension was merited.
"I feel betrayed as it was not what I deserved. FIFA destroyed my dream. The suspension remains a joke," the 29-year-old told Bild.
"I was suspended for defending myself after I got hit twice and kicked once. Per Mertesacker got kicked, Bastian Schweinsteiger was hit. And Miroslav Klose, who was standing next to me, also got attacked."
He added: "Cruz said I did not hit him. The referee said he saw the incident but that nothing serious happened. But then FIFA suspends me. It is all politics.
"All FIFA meant to do with this suspension is show that they do not favour Germany during the World Cup in their own country. That's why they suspended me."
FIFA are yet to announce what punishment Argentinian duo Leandro Cufre and Maxi Rodriguez will receive for their roles in the brawl.
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