German legend Matthias Sammer has blasted Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger over his decision to field an inexperienced side in Wednesday's Champions League clash with Olympiakos.
With the Gunners already assured of top spot and a place in the last 16, Wenger took the chance to give youngsters such as Kerrea Gilbert, Kyle Bartley, Jack Wilshere and Tom Cruise a taste of European football.
The visitors fell 1-0 in Athens, and although the result was meaningless to them, it allowed their hosts to vault into the knockout rounds at the expense of Standard Liege.
There has been considerable debate over the ethical ramifications of teams withholding their strongest XI in competitive play, and Sammer is among those who believe Arsenal are making a mockery of Europe's elite stage.
The 1996 European Footballer of the Year, now technical director of the DFB, said on Sky: "I'm disappointed about what Arsene Wenger did.
"It's the Champions League, one of the most important competitions worldwide, and he plays with a bunch of Kindergarten players.
"The UEFA rules allow him to do so but I can't respect it.
"You have to pay a bit more respect to the Champions League."
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