Lehmann denies making gesture to fans

BERLIN, Nov 18 (Reuters) Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has denied making a disparaging gesture to fans during the team's 4-0 win over Cyprus in Hanover.

German media suggested TV pictures showing Lehmann scratching his head with a middle finger might have been a gesture aimed at fans who were chanting for Hanover goalkeeper Robert Enke to come on.

''It's nonsense,'' Lehmann told reporters after making his 50th international appearance yesterday. ''I've never done anything like that.'' German Football Association president Theo Zwanziger gave his full support to Lehmann, saying: ''I will stand up for him here. He knows there's no reason to make gestures that could hurt fans. I know he respects the fans.'' REUTERS AB VC2040