Germany coach Joachim Low has urged fans and the media to avoid a vendetta against Jerome Boateng.
Hamburg defender Boateng is the half-brother of Kevin-Prince Boateng, whose heavy challenge on Michael Ballack in Saturday's FA Cup final between Chelsea and Portsmouth has forced the Germany skipper out of the World Cup finals.
"I have spoken with Jerome Boateng," said Low. "I told him that we absolutely unreservedly stand by him. He is a member of the family. I ask everyone not to drag him into this."
Source: PA
