Otto: No old pals' act

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel today moved to defuse a row over the choice of a fellow German and old friend to referee Sunday's Euro 2004 final against Portugal.

Referee Markus Merk has known the Greece coach since he was 15.

However, Rehhagel insisted there would be no bias in favour of his side, who reached the final with a dramatic silver goal winner against the Czech Republic last night, just because the official was his friend and a fellow German.

UEFA have strict rules to ensure referees and their assistants do not officiate in games featuring their native countries but there has been concern in Portugal about Rehhagel's relationship with his friend.

The Greece coach said today: "I'm glad Markus Merk is refereeing the final as he is a very respected official. I have known him since I was 15."

When pressed as to whether the appointment was therefore entirely appropriate, Rehhagel insisted: "He has always been very strict with me. He even sent me off into the stands on one occasion, so I'm sure there will not be any problem."

Referees have been at the centre of several storms during the tournament.

Holland's Ruud van Nistelrooy faces a UEFA hearing after being charged with verbally abusing referee Anders Frisk following his side's semi-final defeat to Portugal.

Swiss official Urs Meier was vilified after disallowing a header by England's Sol Campbell in their quarterfinal against Portugal. Meier has since been given police protection because of threats.