FIFA probes German taunting of Swedes

FIFA is investigating the ugly scenes in the dying stages of Saturday's World Cup match between Germany and Sweden.

Two German officials could face action from FIFA for taunting the Swedish bench after Toni Kroos's match-winning goal in stoppage-time of their World Cup game.

FIFA said on Sunday it had opened an investigation against team media department members Ulrich Vogt and Georg Behlau "for incidents at the end of the match."

The German football team apologised late on Saturday for the actions, writing on Twitter: "It was an emotional game. In the end, some of the gestures from our staff directed at the Swedish bench were too emotional.

"This is not consistent with our style. We have apologised to Sweden's coach and the team."

Video showed a German official striding over to the Swedish bench, pointing his finger, prompting minor pushing and shoving between members of both sides.

Following the match, Swedish coach Janne Andersson criticized the behaviour of some members of Germany's team and staff.

"Some of the Germans on the team celebrated by running in our direction and began rubbing it into in our faces by making gestures," Andersson said after the 2:1 loss.

"That really got me annoyed and angry. We fought it out for 95 minutes and when the final whistle blows you shake hands and leave. So I was very angry with that."


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Source: AAP


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