Bierhoff urges UEFA boss Platini to investigate Loew ban

Germany manager Oliver Bierhoff has urged UEFA president Michel Platini to investigate the one-match ban handed to German coach Joachim Loew for Thursday’s Euro 2008 clash with Portugal.

Loew has been banished from the sidelines by European football’s governing body for the last eight clash after losing his appeal on Wednesday against his one-match ban for being sent off in Monday’s 1-0 win over Austria in Vienna.

The German boss and Austrian coach Josef Hickersberger were both sent to the stands by Spanish referee Manuel Gonzalez just before half-time for arguing with the fourth official.

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has said he wants Loew to be allowed back on the bench and German manager Oliver Bierhoff said the squad were upset by UEFA’s stance.

“I am very disappointed with the decision and I don’t understand it,” said Bierhoff.

“If you look at the facts, there has been a misrepresentation, there were enough cameras around the place to see the two managers weren’t arguing with each other.

“This is not just about Joachim Loew, it’s an issue which effects every coach, they have to be there to do their job.

“There is a lot of things going on in the heat of the moment and I can understand UEFA wanting to protect their referees.

“But the fourth official can often come across as quite arrogant and it something which Michael Platini should look at.”

Bierhoff said he was waiting on clarification from UEFA to decide whether Loew could travel with the team to the stadium and what exactly he could do.

And he said the decision had an effect on Loew personally.

“In 14 years as a coach, he has never been fined or suspended and he took it hard, it was a blow to him,” said Bierhoff.

“He can’t rely on his gut instinct during the game now, this is an important match and he is disappointed not to be able to influence it.”

Meanwhile, Bierhoff insists they leave the decision on whether to play midfielders Torsten Frings, who has a rib-injury, and Lukas Podolski, who has a calf strain, until as late as possible to kick-off.

“Lukas did some light training today and there appears to be no reaction and Torsten also gave a positive report,” said Bierhoff.

“But it is too early to say and no decison will be announced until 30 minutes before kick-off.”