Gomez regrets Franz comments

Striker apologises following weekend tussle

By Chris Ives   Last updated: 25th February 2008

stuttgart mario gomez karlsruhe

Gomez: Sorry for comments

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Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez has apologised for his criticism of Karlsruhe's Maik Franz following Saturday's heated derby.

The two players tangled several times during the Bundesliga champions' 3-1 win over their local rivals.

Gomez continued the feud in television interviews after the final whistle, calling Franz 'an unfair sportsman who is protected by the referee'.

The Germany international's comments could land him in hot water with the DFB disciplinary committee, which is investigating his reaction, and Gomez has now attempted to cool the situation.

Emotion

"Maik Franz and I clashed several times on the pitch," Gomez wrote on his personal website.

"The way I expressed my dissatisfaction at the way he plays was not OK. I shouldn't let something like that happen to me, despite all the emotion involved.

"I mustn't let myself be provoked in that manner in the future, especially as I gave the right response with my performance on the pitch."