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Ballack Blasts Polish Propaganda

Germany captain Michael Ballack has added to the chorus of complaints over a mock-up image of his severed head on the front page of a Polish newspaper…

Super Express published the picture as a provocative battle cry ahead of Poland’s opening match of the EURO finals against Germany, and the stunt has drawn scathing criticism from all quarters.

Poland coach Leo Beenhakker has registered his disgust at the image, which depicted him brandishing the severed heads of Ballack and German coach Joachim Low, labelling it “mad, dirty and sick”.

Another Polish newspaper depicted Ballack wearing a Prussian helmet, recalling the 15th century battle in which the Poles defeated the Teutonic knights.

The German parliament have hit out against both publications, the sports commission chairman Peter Danckert intent on addressing his Polish counterparts regarding the “absolute scandal”.

Concerned

Ballack revealed his disappointment in the pictures, and lamented the way certain sections of the public have brushed them off as typical workaday journalism.

"We have seen the pictures and it doesn't really make us jump for joy," said the Chelsea midfielder. "There are some people who are cynical enough to just accept this is an everyday occurrence and there is nothing you can do about it.

"But I for one am a little bit more concerned about it. This is just a football match and this sort of thing should not be printed."

Keen

The 31-year-old heads into the EURO finals on the back some fine form for the Blues, his attacking presence from midfield proving vital as Chelsea reached the Champions League final and challenged strongly for domestic honours.

The former Bayern Munich man has flourished this year after initially failing to settle at Stamford Bridge, and he is hopeful of continuing in the same vein in Austria and Switzerland.

"I have been fortunate enough recently to collect lots of compliments on my form and that is something I am keen to transfer to the Germany side," he said.

"I am happy to play in the Premier League. It's a competition which encourages players to give only their very best week in, week out and you have to be 100%."

Goal.com - Euro 2008 - Ballack Blasts Polish Propaganda