Ballack snubbed 35,000 German fans after loss in Euro 2008 finals
1 Jul 2008, 1314 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

London, July 1 (ANI): Skipper Michael Ballack snubbed 35,000 German fans after the final of Euro 2008 in Vienna on Sunday.

The German skipper had a serious run-in with general manager Oliver Bierhoff when he was asked to hold up a banner thanking them for their support during the tournament, The Sun reported.

The Chelsea star refused to hold the banner saying that they were cheap and nasty - and the thank-you gesture was abandoned despite the team's supporters staying in the stadium to applaud their team long after the final whistle.

Harsh words were exchanged between Ballack and Bierhoff and the matter was only resolved later in the dressing room.

Bierhoff said: "We had a strong and emotional discussion."

"The German Federation wanted the team to pay tribute to our supporters. Michael didn't like the banners and thought they were inappropriate," he added.

The pair seemed the best of friends on Monday, as the Germans were welcomed back to Berlin by 100,000 fans. (ANI)