Lehmann and Diego embroiled in "cheat" spat

Jens Lehmann was at the centre of more controversy yesterday when he clashed with Werder Bremen's Diego on the way to the dressing room.

The Stuttgart goalkeeper was incensed with the free-kick which Diego won and converted to put Bremen ahead in their 4-0 win and called the Brazilian "a cheat" on the way into the dressing room at half time.

A scuffle ensued, but the real war of words continued after the match.

"It is not the first time that he wins a free-kick deceitfully," Lehmann told reporters at the Weser Stadion. "And then for him to show his delight at gaining an advantage from it shows his true character."

Lehmann was not happy with Diego trying to steal a yard with the free-kick and complained vehemently to referee Gunter Perl, who ordered Diego to move the ball back a few inches.

"He made me put the ball in the perfect place," said Diego afterwards. "Maybe those inches were decisive. Lehmann forgets that he is a player and not a referee. As a player, we have to show respect for each other, but he doesn't do that.

"Maybe he should concentrate on trying to make saves."

However, Lehmann added that he "cannot respect" such players who "let themselves fall to get fouls."

Lehmann has been no stranger to controversy since arriving from Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer.

He recently ripped the headband from defender Khalid Boulahrouz's head and threw a boot of opposition Hoffenheim player Sejad Salihovic onto his own goal, claiming it was "an obstruction" which had to be removed.

Stuttgart director of sport Horst Heldt may have had the 39-year-old in mind when he raged against his team.

"I am hugely disappointed and extremely angry about this arrogant performance," he said. "I have never been as angry as I am today."

Bremen's win was their first in the Bundesliga in 2009 and it was the first defeat for Stuttgart in their last 10 games since Markus Babbel took over from Armin Veh.

Nevertheless, Bremen remain 11 points adrift of a qualification place for the Europa League next season while Stuttgart missed the chance to narrow the gap on fifth-placed Hoffenheim.