LEHMAN PLEADS INNOCENT

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has denied making a rude gesture to Germany fans during his country's Euro 2008 qualifying success over Cyprus on Saturday.

The veteran shot-stopper appeared to scratch his head with a middle finger which was construed as a gesture aimed at fans who were chanting for Hanover goalkeeper Robert Enke to come on.

"It's nonsense," Lehmann said after the match. "I've never done anything like that."

German Football Association president Theo Zwanziger added: "I will stand up for him here. He knows there's no reason to make gestures that could hurt fans. I know he respects the fans."

Meanwhile, Gunners midfielder Tomas Rosicky has returned to the Emirates Stadium after helping the Czech Republic reach the Euro 2008 finals.

He played and scored in Saturday's 3-1 triumph over Slovakia but will not feature in the midweek encounter with Cyprus.

Rosicky said after the weekend success: "In comparison to our win in Bratislava last year, the Slovaks have quite improved.

They are trying to play passing football and run a lot. I think they are an unpleasant opponent and that is why we appreciate our win more.

"At some moments we let the opponents play and they went forward with more players, which led to our chances. In the first half we outnumbered them several times, but did not capitalise on it.

"My goal came on the back of a fast-paced counter-attack. I was in the second wave and the ball found me after one of the clearances. It was going straight against my foot and I hit it with my instep well."

                                                                                                  cull'd from football.co.uk