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No Schumacher grudge from Battiston

SoccerNews in General Soccer News 29 Feb 2012

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Former France player Patrick Battiston says he has forgiven Germany’s Harald Schumacher over a horror challenge in the 1982 World Cup.

Battiston was knocked unconscious and later slipped into a coma after colliding with goalkeeper Schumacher during the semi-final between France and West Germany at the tournament in Spain.

There were suggestions Schumacher had deliberately thrown himself into his unsuspecting opponent, who had just dragged a shot wide of goal.

The incident is still highly contentious, particularly as the alleged offence went completely unpunished.

Battiston, speaking ahead of France’s friendly against Germany in Bremen on Wednesday, said he has long since moved on.

“I have forgiven (him),” Battiston told RTL.

“But I don’t want to speak about it in these circumstances.”

Schumacher recently apologised once again for his actions, but Battiston said he has no interest in meeting his assailant in person.

“I do not particularly want to meet him,” Battiston said.

“Over time, I realise that people have forever marked him with this. But now it’s finished.”

“It was (an incident) on the field of play; we’ll never know if it was deliberate or not.”

The game in Seville finished 3-3 after extra time.

West Germany progressed to the final on penalties, with Schumacher playing a key role in his team’s shootout success.

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