Germans unhappy about Frings decision

The German FA have expressed their disappointment over FIFA’s decision to suspend Torsten Frings for tomorrow’s World Cup semi-final clash with Italy.

The Werder Bremen midfielder, one of the outstanding players of the quarter-final victory on penalties against Argentina, was caught on television throwing a punch at Julio Cruz during a melee at the end of the match.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee decided the 29-year-old was guilty of violent conduct and imposed a one-match suspension, with another suspended ban that will come into force should he misbehave again in the next six months.

Team-manager Oliver Bierhoff could not understand the verdict, stating: “We are disappointed.

“We thought we had given a reasonable explanation for an acquittal.

“We have no other choice but to accept the decision. We will fully concentrate on the match with Italy now.”

FIFA’s decisio means Frings will be available for the final, should Germany beat Italy, or the third-place play-off.

The German FA were given until 1pm today to submit a defence, but after hearing their submission the disciplinary committee ruled Frings was an “active participant in the incidents following the final whistle.”

DFB president Theo Zwanziger has ruled out further legal action as he said: “It does not make any sense so shortly before a match as it would also cause further disruption.

“We have to respect the decision, but I am disappointed because I had expected an acquittal.”

The fracas happened after the penalty shoot-out on Friday night when Argentina players and officials kicked, punched and pushed players and coaches from the German squad. Frings denied any active part in the incident, but the pictures showed him retaliating.

Argentina defender Leonardo Cufre was red-carded after the fracas in which he kicked German defender Per Mertesacker. He and Argentina midfielder Maxi Rodriguez have both been charged with violent conduct and have until Wednesday to make their submissions.

FIFA have insisted the Italian football federation played no part in bringing Frings’ involvement to their attention. The pictures were first shown on Italian TV before then shown in Germany.

FIFA communications director Markus Siegler said: “There was no attempt from the Italian federation to incite FIFA to do something. This footage was shown on a public channel in Germany.”