[Vargas_4]

Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez has been hit with a fine for his verbal attack on Karlsruhe’s Maik Franz, but has been saved from a ban.

The German international has been fined €8000 by the DFB disciplinary commission for his outburst following VfB’s derby victory over rivals Karlsruhe. He will not however have to sit out any matches as the commission decided against a ban.

Gomez will not be appealing against the verdict. “I accept the punishment, because straight after the game I did make the verbal outburst. For me the issue is now over.”

The disciplinary commission under the leadership of Anton Nachreiner decided to take action after Gomez gave an interview to TV channel Premiere in which he attacked opponent Maik Franz calling him an “arsehole” and claiming he was an unfair player, who was protected by referees.

Gomez did apologise the day after the interview and this was taken into account by the committee.

“Maik Franz and I clashed a few times on the pitch, but the manner in which I voiced my anger was not really okay. Something like that shouldn’t happen despite my emotions.

“I shouldn’t let myself be provoked, I’ll do my talking on the pitch.”

Goal.com - VfB Stuttgart - Gomez Hit With Fine But Is Spared Ban