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Arsenal Keeper Lehmann Supported By Former Germany No.1 Oliver Kahn

Submitted by Scott Harkness on Sat, 20/05/2006 - 14:26.

Veteran Germany Keeper Oliver Kahn has given his support to Arsenals Jens Lehmann after The Gunners keepers sending off in the Champions League Final against Barcelona on Wednesday.

Lehmann was shown the red card in the 18th minute of Arsenal's 2-1 loss to Barcelona at the Stade de France after bringing down Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o just outside the penalty area.

But Bayern Munich keeper Kahn, who has been battling with Lehmann for the starting spot in Germany's World Cup squad, is confident his rival will bounce back.

"I have no doubts Jens is strong enough mentally to get over it," Kahn said at Germany's training camp in Sardinia.

"Such things happen in football. He needs to forget about it as soon as possible.

"It can be compared to a car accident - when people remember it every time they drive past the scene where it happened. But it is psychological rubbish if you think such things will happen all the time now."

But the former Germany number one felt Lehmann got off lightly compared to the 1999 final, when Bayern were beaten by two stoppage-time goals by Manchester United.

"What is a red card in a Champions League final compared to the situation we went through in 1999?" Kahn said. "You cannot top that."

Meanwhile, Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann has criticised the referee for his decision to dismiss Lehmann.

"It would have been right to allow the goal and give Jens a yellow card," said Klinsmann. "I am sure he will be over it once the tournament starts,” said Klinsmann.