Lehmann unimpressed with 'biased' referee

Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has criticised Italian referee Roberto Rosetti's Euro 2008 final performance, describing him as "biased".

Germany lost 1-0 in Vienna last night — and although Lehmann concedes Spain were worthy winners of the title, he was far from impressed by Rosetti.

"What was disappointing in my opinion was the performance of the referee, who didn't really fancy us Germans - and this is the third time I was unlucky with referees in European cup finals," said the former Arsenal goalkeeper.

Two incidents in particular stood out for Lehmann. The first was when Spain midfielder David Silva looked to head-butt Lukas Podolski but escaped without punishment, and then in the dying minutes when a promising Germany attack was stopped for what Lehmann felt was a non-existent foul.

Lehmann, who tried to speak to Rosetti after the final whistle, said: "He was very arrogant and in my opinion he was biased. He clearly saw a head-butt from a Spanish player towards Lukas Podolski — he didn't book him or give him a red card.

"Just before the end, we had a good chance in the penalty area — and all of a sudden, he gave a foul against us where even the Spanish players were surprised to get a free-kick. It was very disappointing."

The veteran goalkeeper had few complaints about the final result, though, admitting Spain were full value for their first European Championship success since 1964.