Bayern Munich have defended midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger after he lambasted a reporter and stormed out of a media conference, the latest twist in a turbulent week for the then-defending German football champions.
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says that suggestions Schweinsteiger was a "little boss" were impertinent and outrageous, although he also says he was wrong for losing his cool in Friday's media conference.
The episode started when winger Arjen Robben suggested Bayern had lacked a real leader since his fellow Dutchman Mark van Bommel left to join AC Milan in January.
The team captain Philipp Lahm admitted he was annoyed by Robben's comments and says he will speak to Robben to find out what he meant by those comments.
The episode came before a crucial 4-1 win over Schalke as Bayern push to qualify for next year's Champions League.
The win lifts Bayern to third where they need to finish just to make the qualifying round.
Failing to reach the Champions League would be a devastating blow for Bayern with next season's final at their own Allianz Arena.