Torsten Frings has branded FIFA4s decision to suspend him for Germany's semi-final clash with Italy as "a joke".

The influential midfielder was handed a one-game ban just 24 hours before kick-off after the disciplinary committee reviewed television pictures of the post-match brawl between Germany and Argentina.

Frings was seen throwing a punch at Argentina's Julio Cruz, but the Werder Bremen star claimed he "got suspended for defending himself".

"I feel betrayed as it was not what I deserved," he told Bild newspaper. "FIFA destroyed my dream. The suspension remains a joke.

"I was suspended for defending myself after I got hit twice and kicked once. Per Mertesacker got kicked, Bastian Schweinsteiger was hit. And Miroslav Klose, who was standing next to me, also got attacked.

He added: "Cruz said I did not hit him.

"The referee said he saw the incident but that nothing serious happened. But then FIFA suspends me. It is all politics."

Frings felt the world governing body were just trying to set an example.

"All FIFA meant to do with this suspension is show that they do not favour Germany during the World Cup in their own country. That4s why they suspended me," he added.

FIFA are still investigating Argentina's Leandro Cufre, who kicked Mertesacker in the groin, and striker Maxi Rodriguez for their involvement in the melee.

"They should suspended Cufre for two years," said Frings. "He kicked Per in the groin."