If the Boots don’t fit, you must acquit

Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has jumped into the caldron of controversy surrounding the German Football Federation’s requirement that its players wear Adidas boots while playing for the national team.

Lehmann blames the boots for the pain and discomfort his body experienced during the World Cup.

“At the end of the day nobody can tell you what it is but the only thing that was different from my club were the boots and that is not acceptable at all,” Lehmann said.

“I don’t have to reveal my problems but I have had massive problems during the World Cup. It is getting better right now but never again will I agree to play in a different product than I do at Arsenal.”

German players had threatened to boycott yesterday’s friendly against Sweden but were able to come up with an apparent compromise that will allow the players to wear the boots of their choice starting with Euro 2008 qualifying next month.

Lehmann, by the way, was hospitalized yesterday because of low blood sugar, something that probably can’t be blamed on the boots.

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