Bayern's Rummenigge hits out at Lehmann over ref claims
Munich - Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge Monday accused Stuttgart goalkeeper Jens Lehmann of trying to turn referees against the defending Bundesliga champions ahead of the season's climax on Saturday.
The former Germany keeper had said in an interview he believed leaders Wolfsburg and Bayern had benefited this season from questionable refereeing.
But Rummenigge said Lehmann was trying to whip up anti-Bayern sentiment ahead of Bayern's clash with Stuttgart in Munich on Saturday.
Both teams have the chance of winning the Bundesliga title if Wolfsburg lose at home to Werder Bremen.
A point will probably be enough for Wolfsburg who are two points clear of Bayern and Stuttgart with a superior goal difference.
"Jens Lehmann insinuates there has been manipulation and cheating from referees. That's nonsense, unsporting behaviour of the first order," Rummenigge said.
"I will be interested to see how the DFB (German Football Federation) reacts to this."
Rummenigge said Bayern had meanwhile written off their chances of winning the title, saying the main objective now was to secure second place and direct qualification for next season's Champions League.
"We believe the die is cast to 99.9 per cent in the title battle," he said.
The board decided Monday morning not to plan for any ceremonies for the eventuality that Bayern clinch the title, as they did in 2000 on the last day of the season following Bayer Leverkusen's 2-0 defeat at Unterhaching.
"We are planning nothing. After the match there will be a meal for just a few people," he said.
Wolfsburg are meanwhile getting ready for the biggest football celebrations in the city's history - whether the team wins the league or not.
A "party mile" for some 200,000 fans with an open-top parade for the team on Saturday evening is being planned. A provisional stage is being set up outside the town hall which has no balcony for a triumphant reception.
Already the club has recorded its best-ever season, with qualification for next season's Champions League assured.(dpa)