Germany's Frings suspended for clash with Italy

By Jens Mende Jul 3, 2006, 18:03 GMT

Berlin - Torsten Frings became the first footballer to be suspended at a World Cup on the basis of video evidence when FIFA handed down a one-match ban after pictures showed him throwing a punch at the end of the quarter-final victory over Argentina.

The decision by FIFA's disciplinary commission means the Werder Bremen midfielder will miss Tuesday's World Cup semi-final clash against Italy in Dortmund.

Frings, who was also fined five thousand Swiss francs (four thousand dollars) and had a further one-match ban suspended for six months, cannot appeal the decision.

'The FIFA Disciplinary Committee today served a two-match suspension on German international Torsten Frings,' said football's ruling body in a statement.

'Given the fact that he had previously been provoked by his opponents, the second match suspension is subject to a six-month probationary period. Depending on the result of the semi-final between Germany and Italy on 4 July 2006, Frings may therefore play in the final or in the play-off for third place.'

German football federation (DFB) spokesman Harald Stanger said his organization would first 'like to look at the reasons behind the suspension' before making any statement.

'Until such time as we know them, we will not make any further comment,' he said.

Meanwhile, DFB president Theo Zwanziger said FIFA's decision would act as a spur to the German team.

'The team will now be lifted to ensure Torsten Frings can play in his final. It will be a great incentive for the coach (Juergen Klinsmann) and the players.'

Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff echoed Zwanziger's comments, saying the team would do 'give its all' for Frings.

FIFA decided to investigate Frings' involvement in the melee that marred Germany's penalty shootout win over Argentina after fresh pictures produced by the Italian television broadcaster Sky Italia came to light.

The pictures showed the 29-year-old apparently striking Argentinian player Julio Cruz. FIFA called on the German Football Federation to present its reaction by Monday morning.

Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann had been confident that his midfielder would be cleared of any wrongdoing, saying Argentinian players had been the instigators of the trouble and members of his team had only reacted to provocation.

Probes are also being made into Argentinian players Leandro Cufre - red-carded during the fracas - and Maxi Rodriguez.

Argentinian player Cufre had been shown a red card for kicking an opponent during the scuffles which broke out on the pitch between players and officials from both teams after Friday's match.